untouchable number


An untouchable number is an integer n for which there exists no integer m such that

(d|md)-m=n,

, thus n can’t be ”touched” by the sum of proper divisors of any other integer. Paul Erdős proved that there are infinitely many untouchable numbers.

Obviously no perfect number can be an untouchable number. Neither can any integer of the form p+1, where p is a prime numberMathworldPlanetmath. What is not so obvious is whether 5 is the only odd untouchable number, and the related question of whether 2 and 5 are the only prime untouchable numbers.

References

  • 1 P. Erdős, Über die Zahlen der Form σ(n)-n und n-ϕ(n). Elem. Math. 28 (1973), 83–86.
Title untouchable number
Canonical name UntouchableNumber
Date of creation 2013-03-22 15:51:52
Last modified on 2013-03-22 15:51:52
Owner PrimeFan (13766)
Last modified by PrimeFan (13766)
Numerical id 8
Author PrimeFan (13766)
Entry type Definition
Classification msc 11A05