OFFSET
1,2
COMMENTS
The odd non-multiples of 3 are 1, 5, 7, 11,... (A007310). The odd multiples of 3 have no odd numbers their Collatz pre-image. The next odd number in the Collatz iteration of a(2n) is 6n-1. The next odd number in the Collatz iteration of a(2n+1) is 6n+1. For each non-multiple of 3, there are an infinite number of odd numbers in its Collatz pre-image. For example:
Odd pre-images of 1: 1, 5, 21, 85, 341,... (A002450)
Odd pre-images of 5: 3, 13, 53, 213, 853,... (A072197)
Odd pre-images of 7: 9, 37, 149, 597, 2389,...
Odd pre-images of 11: 7, 29, 117, 469, 1877,...(A072261)
In each case, the pre-image sequence is t(k+1) = 4*t(k) + 1 with t(0)=a(n). The array of pre-images is in A178415.
a(n) = A047529(P(n)), with the permutation P(n) = A006368(n-1) + 1, for n >= 1. This shows that this sequence gives the numbers {1, 3, 7} (mod 8) uniquely. - Wolfdieter Lang, Sep 21 2021
LINKS
Matthew House, Table of n, a(n) for n = 1..10000
Index entries for linear recurrences with constant coefficients, signature (0,2,0,-1).
FORMULA
a(n) = (n - 1)*(3 - (-1)^n) + 1. [Bogart B. Strauss, Sep 20 2013, adapted to the offset by Matthew House, Feb 14 2017]
From Matthew House, Feb 14 2017: (Start)
G.f.: x*(1 + 3*x + 7*x^2 + x^3)/((1 - x)^2*(1 + x)^2).
a(n) = 2*a(n-2) - a(n-4). (End)
From Philippe Deléham, Nov 06 2023: (Start)
a(2*n) = 4*n-1, a(2*n+1) = 8*n+1.
a(n) = 2*A022998(n-1)+1.
a(n) = 2*A114752(n)-1. (End)
MATHEMATICA
Riffle[1+8*Range[0, 50], 3+4*Range[0, 50]]
CROSSREFS
KEYWORD
nonn,easy
AUTHOR
T. D. Noe, May 28 2010
STATUS
approved