A Closed-System Algebraic Identity and Parity Obstruction for the Collatz Conjecture

This paper presents a closed-system algebraic framework to analyze the existence of non-trivial cycles (x > 1) within the Collatz trajectory. By formulating the sequence as an accumulated historical residue of +1 operations governed by a scaling factor f = n/k, we derive a unified algebraic identity that relates the starting odd integer x to the expansion and division powers (3^k and 2^{f \cdot k}). Through rigorous parity analysis of the numerator and denominator, we establish a fundamental parity contradiction (\text{Odd} = \text{Even}) for any x > 1. This structural obstruction proves that no non-trivial integer solution can satisfy the closed-system identity, leaving the trivial loop x = 1 as the only consistent solution of the system.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-09-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23044913
Primary Topic
Benford’s Law and Fraud Detection
Type
preprint
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preprint

A Closed-System Algebraic Identity and Parity Obstruction for the Collatz Conjecture

Alper Pektaş
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Benford’s Law and Fraud Detection
preprint

A Closed-System Algebraic Identity and Parity Obstruction for the Collatz Conjecture

Alper Pektaş
preprint en

Abstract

This paper presents a closed-system algebraic framework to analyze the existence of non-trivial cycles (x > 1) within the Collatz trajectory. By formulating the sequence as an accumulated historical residue of +1 operations governed by a scaling factor f = n/k, we derive a unified algebraic identity that relates the starting odd integer x to the expansion and division powers (3^k and 2^{f \cdot k}). Through rigorous parity analysis of the numerator and denominator, we establish a fundamental parity contradiction (\text{Odd} = \text{Even}) for any x > 1. This structural obstruction proves that no non-trivial integer solution can satisfy the closed-system identity, leaving the trivial loop x = 1 as the only consistent solution of the system.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Benford’s Law and Fraud Detection
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