5
$\begingroup$

As noted in the title can you find the mathematical expression for the following sequence of numbers?

1, 2, 2, 4, 1, 1, 3, 3, 4, 9, 1, 1, 3, 5, 9

From time to time hints will be updated.

Note: this sequence cannot be found in The On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ (Not sure why the downvote; this definitely doesn't deserve it.) $\endgroup$
    – Rubio ♦
    Commented Mar 22, 2018 at 1:27

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
6
$\begingroup$

The formula is:

P(n+1) modulo the digit-sum of P(n), where P(n) is the nth prime

The clue that gave it away was that the first few terms are

The difference between consecutive primes, which agrees with the modulo function whenever the numbers are close enough (the larger one is less than twice the smaller one).

Also,

Since the behaviour changes when the primes reach two digits, this points to some kind of operation that depends on the number of digits (and since things that involve the decimal number system are not very relevant to mathematics in general, this may explain why such a simple sequence is not found on the OEIS)

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ great job, well done. $\endgroup$
    – tom
    Commented Mar 22, 2018 at 7:32
3
$\begingroup$

Partial answer

The first letter of each word in the title spells PRIME, which is likely a hint.

A guess I tried

Diffferences between consecutive prime numbers, but this fails after 4. I think I’m close though.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ yes good job, well done, you got close :-) $\endgroup$
    – tom
    Commented Mar 22, 2018 at 12:11

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.