3X+1 is an unexpectedly weird math problem

The Collatz Conjecture is the simplest math problem no one can solve — it is easy enough for almost anyone to understand but notoriously difficult to solve.

Toward the end: “If anything it shows that all the things we can solve are miracles.”

More on the Collatz Conjecture.

Hat tip: Heather Zeiger

See also: Things exist that are unknowable: A tutorial on Chaitin’s number

and

Yes, you can manipulate infinity in math. The hyperreals are bigger (and smaller) than your average number — and better! (Jonathan Bartlett)

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