OFFSET
1,2
COMMENTS
In order to extend this there is the problem that there are small numbers (276, 552, etc.) for which it is not presently known if they cycle. I propose that we assume these do not cycle, but mark the records beyond where this becomes an issue as conjectural only.
EXAMPLE
138 has a transient of length 177 (see Guy's book).
MATHEMATICA
g[n_] := If[n > 0, DivisorSigma[1, n] - n, 0]; f[n_] := NestWhileList[g, n, UnsameQ, All]; a = -1; Do[b = Length[ f[n]] - 1; If[b > a, a = b; Print[n]], {n, 275}] (* Robert G. Wilson v, Sep 10 2004 *)
CROSSREFS
KEYWORD
nonn,more
AUTHOR
N. J. A. Sloane, Sep 10 2004
EXTENSIONS
102 and 138 from Robert G. Wilson v, Sep 10 2004
STATUS
approved