Collatz-Thwaites-Ulam-Hasse-Syracuse-Kakutani (CTUHSK) Theorem: Convergence of Collatz (3n+1) Sequence to the Trivial Cycle Proved

Abstract

This paper presents the Collatz-Thwaites-Ulam-Hasse-Syracuse-Kakutani (CTUHSK) theorem, which asserts the convergence of the Collatz (3n+1) Sequence to the trivial cycle, thereby proving the Collatz Conjecture, a long-standing unsolved problem.  The proof is in two parts.  The necessary condition is provided by the order-preserving isomorphism (along with an invariant-base-element) established between the relevant component H^s of a structured system framework H and the set of positive integers.  The structured system framework H itself has been designed by a two-stage bijective mapping: (1) from the Collatz-domain to BELnet, that is the network of binary exponential ladders defined on the set of positive odd numbers; and (2) from BELnet to the structured system framework H.  The sufficient condition is provided by a reductio-ad-absurdum argument (along with a uniquely special modular arithmetic characteristic property of the Collatz system) that is used to demonstrate domain exhaustion; having already captured all the modular residue classes; logically excluding the existence of any extraneous elements or objects or sub-systems such as disjoint loops/cycles H^¥ and/or divergent chains H^& or even any/all non-standard objects, in H.  The proof uses the most fundamental Dedekind-Peano axioms and modulus arithmetic properties of the Collatz (3n+1) System; just enough mathematics, without any unnecessary sophistications.

Some directions for possible future research work on algorithmic, computational and/or dynamic characteristics of the Collatz system have also been presented.  A situation has been identified wherein the emergence of global system properties through persistent local subsystem characteristics can be clearly demonstrated; with {(31←41←27)} and {(1←5←3)} as exceptional and limiting cases.