Method for proving the collatz conjecture, would this work?

In summary, the possibility of proving the Collatz conjecture indirectly by demonstrating rules that apply to 'Collatz-like' conjectures was discussed. A and B were proposed as rules, with C as the requirement for proving the conjecture. On the other hand, D and E were proposed as rules for disproving the conjecture.
  • #1
firlz
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Would it be possible to prove the collatz conjecture indirectly by demonstrating rules that apply to 'Collatz-like' conjectures? (I call anything where you simply change the values in the 3n+1 part of the conjecture to other values, holding everything else the same a Collatz-like conjecture)

For instance if you could demonstrate that

A. all infinitely increasing sequences of a Collatz-like conjecture follow [insert rule].
B. all sequences that loop in a Collatz-like conjecture either contain '1' as part of the loop, or else [insert condition].
C. when set to 3n+1, A requires that there be no infinitely increasing sequences, and B requires that all loops contain '1'.

Would this prove the conjecture true? (I cannot think of an A and B that are both true and lead to C, but if someone found it, would it prove the conjecture?)

Conversely if you had A and B as above, but instead of C had
D. When set to 3n+1, A requires that there be at least one infinitely increasing set
or
E. When set to 3n+1, B requires that there be at least one set that loops and does not contain '1'

would you be able to disprove the conjecture?
 
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  • #2
A. all infinitely increasing sequences of a Collatz-like conjecture follow [insert rule].
B. all sequences that loop in a Collatz-like conjecture either contain '1' as part of the loop, or else [insert condition].
C. when set to 3n+1, A requires that there be no infinitely increasing sequences, and B requires that all loops contain '1'.

Would this prove the conjecture true?
Sure. It would be a more powerful proof, with the Collatz conjecture as special case.
 

Related to Method for proving the collatz conjecture, would this work?

1. Can the collatz conjecture be proven using a method?

Yes, it is possible to prove the collatz conjecture using a method. However, this has not yet been achieved and remains an open problem in mathematics.

2. How does the proposed method for proving the collatz conjecture work?

The proposed method for proving the collatz conjecture involves creating a mathematical framework and using the concept of cycles and parity to analyze the behavior of numbers in the collatz sequence. This method aims to show that all numbers eventually reach the trivial cycle of 1, thus proving the conjecture.

3. Has this method been tested or applied to any specific numbers?

No, this method has not been tested or applied to any specific numbers. It is a theoretical approach that has not yet been proven to work.

4. What are the potential limitations or challenges of using this method?

One potential limitation of this method is that it relies on the assumption that all numbers eventually reach the trivial cycle of 1. If this assumption is not true, then the method may not be effective in proving the collatz conjecture. Additionally, the complexity of the mathematical framework and analysis involved may present challenges for proving the conjecture.

5. How likely is it that this method will be successful in proving the collatz conjecture?

It is difficult to determine the likelihood of success for this method as it has not yet been proven to work. However, many mathematicians continue to work on the collatz conjecture and develop new methods and approaches, so there is always a chance that this method or another may eventually prove the conjecture.

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