In mathematics, an almost perfect number (sometimes also called slightly defective number) is a natural number n such that the sum of all divisors of n (the divisor function σ(n)) is equal to 2n - 1, the sum of all proper divisors of n, s(n) = σ(n) - n, then being equal to n - 1. The only known almost perfect numbers are powers of 2 with non-negative exponents (sequence A000079 in OEIS). Therefore the only known odd almost perfect number is 20 = 1, and the only known even almost perfect numbers are those of the form 2k for some positive number k; however, it has not been shown that all almost perfect numbers are of this form. Almost perfect numbers are also known as least deficient numbers.
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“The universe is not rough-hewn, but perfect in its details. Nature will bear the closest inspection; she invites us to lay our eye level with the smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. She has no interstices; every part is full of life.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“To finish the moment, to find the journey’s end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom. It is not the part of men, but of fanatics, or of mathematicians, if you will, to say, that, the shortness of life considered, it is not worth caring whether for so short a duration we were sprawling in want, or sitting high. Since our office is with moments, let us husband them.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)