Multiply Perfect Number

In mathematics, a multiply perfect number (also called multiperfect number or pluperfect number) is a generalization of a perfect number.

For a given natural number k, a number n is called k-perfect (or k-fold perfect) if and only if the sum of all positive divisors of n (the divisor function, σ(n)) is equal to kn; a number is thus perfect if and only if it is 2-perfect. A number that is k-perfect for a certain k is called a multiply perfect number. As of July 2004, k-perfect numbers are known for each value of k up to 11.

It can be proven that:

  • For a given prime number p, if n is p-perfect and p does not divide n, then pn is (p+1)-perfect. This implies that an integer n is a 3-perfect number divisible by 2 but not by 4, if and only if n/2 is an odd perfect number, of which none are known.
  • If 3n is 4k-perfect and 3 does not divide n, then n is 3k-perfect.

Read more about Multiply Perfect Number:  Smallest k-perfect Numbers

Famous quotes containing the words multiply, perfect and/or number:

    “Off south, the bison multiply so fast
    a slaughter’s mandatory every spring
    and every spring the creeks get fat
    and Kicking Horse fills up.”
    —Richard Hugo (1923–1982)

    “That perfect bliss and sole felicity,
    The sweet fruition of an earthly crown.”
    —Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593)

    “After mature deliberation of counsel, the good Queen to establish a rule and imitable example unto all posterity, for the moderation and required modesty in a lawful marriage, ordained the number of six times a day as a lawful, necessary and competent limit.”
    —Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592)