[Jim W N]

The problem is stated this way:

- if “begin” n is even, then “new” n = n/2

- if “begin” n is odd, then “new” n = 3n +1

You continue the calculation as long as you can.

So far, if “begin” n = ANY whole number, the calculation ends up at “end” n =1 which infinitely loops with 4 and back to 1 again.

The mathematical issue is given any whole number as “begin” n, no understandable pattern emerges - the results seem random. The lack of a discernable pattern is apparently the mathematical problem.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5mFpVDpKX70

[metmom]

I see.

Because the calculations are really pretty basic.

I get what they are looking for now.