Collatz Sequence Proof Easy Way
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Comments
Your induction is incorrect; specifically when you attempt to conclude lS(n)={4,2,1} for all even n. Suppose lS(n)={4,2,1} for all n \in {1,2,3,...,r} where r is even. Then lS(r+2) = {4,2,1} which is correct. Same with r+4, r+6, and so on up to 2r. However, you cannot say the same about 2r+2 because you have not shown lS(n+1) = {4,2,1} follows from the inductive hypothesis. This is precisely where your inductive step fails. This attempt at a proof will be rejected anywhere you might attempt to submit it. You need to do your research instead of attempting to solve these problems blindly. You should also read: https://web.williams.edu/Mathematics/sjmiller/public_html/jntnewpolicy/. This addresses why you should not be attempting these problems unless you are an expert in the literature around them, which you are obviously not.
Response,
Peter M
: Jul 27, 2026, 05:55
*Sorry, I meant lS(r+1), not lS(n+1).



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