3 becomes 10 becomes 5 becomes 16

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The discussion centers on the Collatz conjecture, which involves taking a positive integer, multiplying odd numbers by three and adding one, and dividing even numbers by two, then repeating the process. The key question posed is whether all positive integers eventually reach the number one through this iterative process. Participants express curiosity about the conjecture and its implications, noting the lack of a definitive proof despite extensive exploration. The original poster humorously requests that any proof be shared with them instead of their professor, who might claim it as their own. The Collatz conjecture remains an unsolved problem in mathematics, intriguing many with its simplicity and complexity.
kmikias
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Hi,I have one question for you guys because I try but didn't quite work.Last week one of professor asked me a question . he asked me this.

Think of a number (a positive integer), If it's odd, muliply by three and add one. If it's even, divide by two. Repeat this proces.

like this one : 3 becomes 10 becomes 5 becomes 16 becomes 8 becomes 25 becomes ...etc

Do you always reach 1 at some point Or are there any numbers which never reach 1?

And finally I try to find this idea in the internet but I didn't get what trying to say.
 
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that's the "Collatz conjecture". If you find a proof, don't tell your professor, he will only publish it as his own and become famous- send it to me instead!
 

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