π
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Collatz Scribbles

Watch any number fall into the 4-2-1 loop like magic

10 → 5 → 16 → 8 → 4 → 2 → 1

The Collatz Conjecture

The simplest math problem no one can solve

Take any positive number except 1:

  • If EVEN → divide by 2
  • If ODD → multiply by 3 and add 1
  • Repeat until you reach 1
Start with n
→
Even? n/2
↓
Odd? 3n+1
→
Eventually... 1!

Mind-Bending Examples

6

Click to reveal

Steps: 8

Peak: 16

Path: 6→3→10→5→16→8→4→2→1

27

Click to reveal

Steps: 111

Peak: 9,232

Wow! Goes way up before coming down!

7

Click to reveal

Steps: 16

Peak: 52

Path: Small but mighty!

97

Click to reveal

Steps: 118

Peak: 9,232

Amazing! Takes a wild journey!

UNSOLVED MYSTERY

Why It Matters

  • Nobody has proven it works for ALL numbers
  • Tested up to 268... still works!
  • Simple rule → Complex behavior
  • Mathematicians have been puzzled since 1937
"Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, or algorithms: it is about understanding patterns in the universe."

Want to see the magic for YOUR number?