Coffee & Viz: Collatz Conjecture

Visit the Visualization Studio during Exam Wellness Week to relax and reflect on the Collatz conjecture through an immersive audio and visual experience.

The Collatz conjecture is a mathematical speculation that is said to be unsolvable. Introduced by Lothar Collatz in 1937, it is also known as the “3n + 1 problem.”

The conjecture states: 

• Start from any positive integer, n.
• If n is even divide by 2, if n is odd multiply by 3 and add 1. 
• Continuing this sequence will always end in 1, regardless of which positive integer is chosen initially.

The conjecture is considered “dangerous” because it is notorious for absorbing massive amounts of time from both amateur and professional mathematicians alike, seeking to find a proof. Although it has not been proven, it has been confirmed by computer for all starting values up to 268 ≈ 2.95×1020.

This immersive visualization was created by Trevor Thornton, an applications developer in the Libraries’ Digital Library Initiatives department. In addition to making up interesting things to do in our visualization spaces, he also builds and maintains systems to support Special Collections.

This program is free and open to the public. There is no set duration. Drop in anytime between 12pm - 5pm and stay for as long as you want.