Seeing the Forest in the Tree: Applying VRML to Mathematical Problems in Number Theory

Abstract

We show how VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) can provide potentially powerful insight into the 3x + 1 problem via the introduction of a unique geometrical object, called the 'G-cell', akin to a fractal generator. We present an example of a VRML world developed programmatically with the G-cell. The role of VRML as a tool for furthering the understanding the 3x+1 problem is potentially significant for several reasons: a) VRML permits the observer to zoom into the geometric structure at all scales (up to limitations of the computing platform). b) VRML enables rotation to alter comparative visual perspective (similar to Tukey's data-spinning concept). c) VRML facilitates the demonstration of interesting tree features between collaborators on the internet who might otherwise have difficulty conveying their ideas unambiguously. d) VRML promises to reveal any dimensional dependencies among 3x+1 sequences.