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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY NC ND
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY NC ND
Data sources: Datacite
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The Sextant Matrix System: A Structural Resolution of the Collatz Conjecture

Authors: Potts, David;

The Sextant Matrix System: A Structural Resolution of the Collatz Conjecture

Abstract

This manuscript presents the Sextant Matrix System, a novel framework that organizes the set of positive odd integers Z^+_{odd} into an Infinite Radial Lattice of six angular sectors. By mapping the arithmetic flow of the Collatz map onto this rigid geometric coordinate system, we resolve the seemingly chaotic dynamics of the 3n+1 function into a precise Coordinate Map governed by a deterministic Recursive Directed Graph. Within this static geometry, we exploit the modular relationship between generative forms (4n+1 and linear expansions) and the underlying 6k+3 structure to map three precise ascending pathways. This logic constructs the infinite Generative Graded Tree rooted at E_{1,1} (1) as a collection of Saturated Chains. Crucially, the topology resolves the exclusion of 6k+3 singularities via Deterministic Modular Substitution, ensuring a complete and connected graph topology. Central to this proof is the inversion of the standard trajectory: rather than analyzing the descent directly, we define a generative state machine that constructs Z^+_{odd} from the root upwards. We prove via structural induction that while the generative operation forms strictly rank-increasing saturated chains, the standard Collatz Transformation T executes a Modulated Saturated Descent. This descent is strictly well-founded (rho(T(n)) = rho(n) - 1) and adheres to the substitution rules defined by the automaton. Because the topological rank maps to the well-ordered set of non-negative integers, every trajectory is structurally forced to converge to the root.

Keywords

Saturated Chain, Arithmetic Dynamics, Deterministic Modular Substitution, Modulated Saturated Descent, Number Theory, Collatz Conjecture, Sextant Matrix System, Infinite Radial Lattice, Generative Graded Tree, Recursive Directed Graph, 3n+1 Problem

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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