More for everyone, here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collatz_conjecture
Let me just say, it “is an extraordinarily difficult problem, completely out of reach of present day mathematics.”
That is the thing. it is out of reach of mathematics because of the stupid two rules. I simplified it to one rule, which shows how the formula is processing the numbers.
I have no idea why nobody has ever done that. Once you do it, it is a simple algebraic equation.
I know it sounds nuts to say I solved it, but I not only solved it, I did it with high school math I am pretty sure you can understand.
Take a look, and see if my beginner-level math doesn’t make perfect sense to you. I think the paper could prove it to anyone, if I am right.
And if I am not, get back to me here quick and tell me how, before I look like any more of a rube in this place!
And the only other thing I will say is, if you saw a problem described like that, and it got solved, almost on a lark, by a total amateur, who hadn’t done math in over two decades, is there any site where it would be more likely to happen than here?
This is one of the most amazing assortment of individuals you will find on the internet.