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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“Then say not Man’s imperfect, Heav’n in fault;
Say rather, Man’s as perfect as he ought:”
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744)
“In proportion as our inward life fails, we go more constantly and desperately to the post office. You may depend on it, that the poor fellow who walks away with the greatest number of letters, proud of his extensive correspondence, has not heard from himself this long while.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)