Aliquot sequence | Aliquot chain (English)
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Definition (keystage 3)
For a given number, we can form an aliquot sequence by summing the number's divisors (excluding itself) to form a new number, and then repeating this process indefinitely.
For some starting numbers the aliquot sequence will eventually cycle (such a cycle is called a sociable chain), for some it will increase, apparently forever. It is not known whether any aliquot sequences actually increase without limit.
For example, it is not known what the aliquot chain starting at 276 does in the long run.
For some starting numbers the aliquot sequence will eventually cycle (such a cycle is called a sociable chain), for some it will increase, apparently forever. It is not known whether any aliquot sequences actually increase without limit.
For example, it is not known what the aliquot chain starting at 276 does in the long run.
Relations
- broader:
- (en) Integer with special properties
- (en) Sequence
- narrower:
- (en) Sociable chain
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