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Full-Text Articles in Number Theory

Further Generalizations Of Happy Numbers, E. Simonton Williams Oct 2023

Further Generalizations Of Happy Numbers, E. Simonton Williams

Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal

A positive integer n is defined to be happy if iteration of the function taking the sum of the squares of the digits of n eventually reaches 1. In this paper we generalize the concept of happy numbers in several ways. First we confirm known results of Grundman and Teeple and establish further results extending the known structure of happy numbers to higher powers. Then we construct a similar function expanding the definition of happy numbers to negative integers. Working with this function, we prove a range of results paralleling those already proven for traditional and generalized happy numbers. Finally, …


Some Thoughts On The 3 × 3 Magic Square Of Squares Problem, Desmond Weisenberg Jun 2023

Some Thoughts On The 3 × 3 Magic Square Of Squares Problem, Desmond Weisenberg

Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal

A magic square is a square grid of numbers where each row, column, and long diagonal has the same sum (called the magic sum). An open problem popularized by Martin Gardner asks whether there exists a 3×3 magic square of distinct positive square numbers. In this paper, we expand on existing results about the prime factors of elements of such a square, and then provide a full list of the ways a prime factor could appear in one. We also suggest a separate possible computational approach based on the prime signature of the center entry of the square.


Euler Archive Spotlight, Erik R. Tou Mar 2023

Euler Archive Spotlight, Erik R. Tou

Euleriana

A survey of two translations posted to the Euler Archive in 2022.


Meertens Number And Its Variations, Chai Wah Wu Dec 2022

Meertens Number And Its Variations, Chai Wah Wu

Communications on Number Theory and Combinatorial Theory

In 1998, Bird introduced Meertens numbers as numbers that are invariant under a map similar to the Gödel encoding. In base 10, the only known Meertens number is 81312000. We look at some properties of Meertens numbers and consider variations of this concept. In particular, we consider variations of Meertens numbers where there is a finite time algorithm to decide whether such numbers exist, exhibit infinite families of these variations and provide bounds on parameters needed for their existence.


A Case Study On Hooley's Conditional Proof Of Artin's Primitive Root Conjecture, Shalome Kurian Jan 2021

A Case Study On Hooley's Conditional Proof Of Artin's Primitive Root Conjecture, Shalome Kurian

Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal

Artin’s Primitive Root Conjecture represents one of many famous problems in elementary number theory that has resisted complete solution thus far. Significant progress was made in 1967, when Christopher Hooley published a conditional proof of the conjecture under the assumption of a certain case of the Generalised Riemann Hypothesis. In this survey we present a description of the conjecture and the underlying algebraic theory, and provide a detailed account of Hooley’s proof which is intended to be accessible to those with only undergraduate level knowledge. We also discuss a result concerning the qx+1 problem, whose proof requires similar techniques to …


The Name Tag Problem, Christian Carley Nov 2020

The Name Tag Problem, Christian Carley

Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal

The Name Tag Problem is a thought experiment that, when formalized, serves as an introduction to the concept of an orthomorphism of $\Zn$. Orthomorphisms are a type of group permutation and their graphs are used to construct mutually orthogonal Latin squares, affine planes and other objects. This paper walks through the formalization of the Name Tag Problem and its linear solutions, which center around modular arithmetic. The characterization of which linear mappings give rise to these solutions developed in this paper can be used to calculate the exact number of linear orthomorphisms for any additive group Z/nZ, which is demonstrated …


Prove It!, Kenny W. Moran Jan 2012

Prove It!, Kenny W. Moran

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

A dialogue between a mathematics professor, Frank, and his daughter, Sarah, a mathematical savant with a powerful mathematical intuition. Sarah's intuition allows her to stumble into some famous theorems from number theory, but her lack of academic mathematical background makes it difficult for her to understand Frank's insistence on the value of proof and formality.


Some Conjectures Concerning Triangular Numbers, Bruce Brandt Jan 1994

Some Conjectures Concerning Triangular Numbers, Bruce Brandt

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Strong empirical evidence supports conjectures that certain number patterns always hold. These patterns concern the function cr, defined by the equation cr(n) = n - m2, m2 being the nearest square to n, on the domain of the triangular numbers. Triangular squares or triangular numbers of the form m2+m are also mentioned in most of the conjectures. One of the conjectures, for example, is that the sum of cr over the triangular numbers up to a triangular square is 0. Some of these patterns can be described by strings of symbols, such as "S" and "L," formed by first writing …


Supplement To "Some Conjectures Concerning Triangular Numbers", Bruce Brandt Jan 1994

Supplement To "Some Conjectures Concerning Triangular Numbers", Bruce Brandt

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

In a previous paper (1), I stated many conjectures about triangular numbers. Since submitting that paper I have discovered many more results, including generalizations, which are presented here.