fsharp-learning/exercism/fsharp/collatz-conjecture/README.md

Collatz Conjecture

The Collatz Conjecture or 3x+1 problem can be summarized as follows:

Take any positive integer n. If n is even, divide n by 2 to get n / 2. If n is odd, multiply n by 3 and add 1 to get 3n + 1. Repeat the process indefinitely. The conjecture states that no matter which number you start with, you will always reach 1 eventually.

Given a number n, return the number of steps required to reach 1.

Examples

Starting with n = 12, the steps would be as follows:

1. 12
2. 6
3. 3
4. 10
5. 5
6. 16
7. 8
8. 4
9. 2
10. 1

Resulting in 9 steps. So for input n = 12, the return value would be 9.

Running the tests

To run the tests, run the command dotnet test from within the exercise directory.

Autoformatting the code

F# source code can be formatted with the Fantomas tool.

After installing it with dotnet tool restore, run dotnet fantomas . to format code within the current directory.

Further information

For more detailed information about the F# track, including how to get help if you’re having trouble, please visit the exercism.io F# language page.

Source

An unsolved problem in mathematics named after mathematician Lothar Collatz https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3x_%2B_1_problem