On Subprime Recurrences
Abstract
Mathematical legend John Conway invented a sequence that combines elements of Fibonacci numbers and the Collatz problem: after adding the previous two elements, we divide that sum by its least prime factor (but only if that sum is composite). This leads to some very interesting structure, which has yet to receive the widespread attention it deserves. We generalize from Fibonacci numbers to general second order recurrences, and prove a variety of results for such sequences.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Economic theories and models
Credit Risk and Financial Regulations
Stochastic processes and financial applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- American Mathematical Monthly
- Volume
- 133
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 275–280
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN