If you take any number you can think of, any integer whatsoever, count the number of letters it takes to write it out fully (with or without any 'and's you may need), then take THAT number and repeat the procedure infinitely, what number (or numbers) does this strange series converge to? Is there a unique solution?

Let's face it, this won't be a challenge. But here's an extra thing or two for you. Do you know if this series converges in every language? If the series converges, what number does it converge to? Do they have a unique solution? Can you tell of any language(s) in which does this series not converge?

Note: What if you converted this series into cardinal numbers instead (34 = thirty fourth [12 letters] then 12 = etc.)? How many possible convergence values are there in English or any other language you know?

You get the same answer that in Spanish: either convergence to 5 (CINCO letters) or a loop between 4 (QUATRO letters) and 6 (SEIS letters).

Posted by Federico Kereki on 2006-09-10 14:33:39