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ZENODO
Journal . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Journal . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Journal . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Loop Structure of Collatz-Type Functions 3x+n: A Conjugacy Theorem and Powers of Three

Authors: Ross, Michael;

Loop Structure of Collatz-Type Functions 3x+n: A Conjugacy Theorem and Powers of Three

Abstract

We record two elementary structural facts about the loop behavior of the Collatz-type maps x ↦ 3x+n for odd n, working with the odd-only reduced map. First, the net displacements around any cycle sum to zero; this is a pure arithmetic identity, and we note that inverse pairs — odd inputs whose displacements are equal in magnitude and opposite in sign — are one mechanism by which a cycle can realize the required cancellation. Second, and the main point, we prove a conjugacy identity f_n(nx) = n · f_1(x) valid for all odd n and odd x, and show that when n = 3^k a 3-adic confinement forces every orbit eventually onto the sublattice on which this identity is an exact rescaling of 3x+1. Consequently 3x+3^k is dynamically subordinate to 3x+1, which explains why the powers of three are exactly the odd values n > 1 that do not generate new nontrivial cycles. The argument is self-contained, and the conjugacy result is unconditional; statements about the absence of cycles are conditional on the corresponding fact for 3x+1.

Keywords

conjugacy theorem, generalized Collatz functions, Collatz conjecture, nontrivial cycles, 3x+1 problem, odd-only reduced map, inverse pairs

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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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