almost perfect number A description sometimes applied to the powers of 2 because the aliquot parts (proper divisors) of 2n sum to 2n - 1. So a power of 2 is a deficient number (one that is less than the sum of its proper divisors), but only just. It isn't known whether there is an odd number n whose divisors (excluding itself) sum to n - 1. Related categories TYPES OF NUMBERS MATHEMATICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |