README.md

Problem 14: Longest Collatz Sequence

The following iterative sequence is defined for the set of positive integers:

• $n \to n/2$ ($n$ is even)
• $n \to 3n + 1$ ($n$ is odd)

Using the rule above and starting with $13$, we generate the following sequence: $$13 \to 40 \to 20 \to 10 \to 5 \to 16 \to 8 \to 4 \to 2 \to 1.$$

It can be seen that this sequence (starting at $13$ and finishing at $1$) contains $10$ terms. Although it has not been proved yet (Collatz Problem), it is thought that all starting numbers finish at $1$.

Which starting number, under one million, produces the longest chain?

NOTE: Once the chain starts the terms are allowed to go above one million.

Expected Output

Published:	Friday, 5th April 2002, 12:00 pm
Difficulty rating:	5%
Overview (PDF):	problem 14
Forum problem:	problem 14