Answer:
The 3X + 1 problem, also known as the Collatz conjecture, is a mathematical problem that involves the following rules:
1. Start with any positive integer n.
2. If n is even, divide it by 2 (n/2).
3. If n is odd, multiply it by 3 and add 1 (3n + 1).
4. Repeat the process with the new number obtained, and continue iterating.
The conjecture states that, regardless of the starting number, this process will eventually reach the number 1.
To solve the 3X + 1 problem, you can follow these steps:
1. Choose a positive integer as the starting number.
2. Apply the rules mentioned above: if the number is even, divide it by 2; if the number is odd, multiply it by 3 and add 1.
3. Continue applying the rules iteratively until you reach the number 1.
For example, let's start with the number 6:
6 -> 3 (6 is even, so divide by 2)
3 -> 10 (3 is odd, so multiply by 3 and add 1)
10 -> 5 (10 is even, so divide by 2)
5 -> 16 (5 is odd, so multiply by 3 and add 1)
16 -> 8 (16 is even, so divide by 2)
8 -> 4 (8 is even, so divide by 2)
4 -> 2 (4 is even, so divide by 2)
2 -> 1 (2 is even, so divide by 2)
After reaching 1, the process stops, and the conjecture suggests that this will happen for any positive integer as the starting number.
