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A positive integer $n$ is a Zumkeller number iff its divisors can be partitioned into two sets with equal sum.

If $\sigma(n)$ denotes the divisor-sum-function , this means that there are distinct divisors of $n$ ($1$ and $n$ are also allowed) with sum $S:=\frac{\sigma(n)}{2}$. Of course , $\sigma(n)$ must be even for this purpose , so $n$ can neither be a perfect square nor twice a perfect square.

Every perfect number ($\sigma(n)=2n$) is a Zumkeller number , the other Zumkeller numbers must be abundant ($\sigma(n)>2n$). Also, the OEIS-links shows some useful sufficient conditions , the most powerful one being that $n$ is divisble by $6$ and the $3$-adic valuation is odd.

If we assume that we know the prime factorization of $n$ , is there an efficient way to determine whether $n$ is a Zumkeller number ?

Checking all subsets is of course not efficient (the subset sum problem probably can in general only be solved this way).

A method often working is the greedy algorithm : We choose always the largest possible divisor so that the target sum is not exceeded. I have not found a number yet where this method fails. Is there one ?

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  • $\begingroup$ For the title's question, would a computer program be efficient or do you mean a pen and paper approach? $\endgroup$
    – wasu
    Commented Apr 9 at 18:02
  • $\begingroup$ A computer program is allowed. $\endgroup$
    – Peter
    Commented Apr 9 at 18:03
  • $\begingroup$ @Peter: Am I right in interpreting your sufficient condition for a Zumkeller number as - "If $n$ is divisible by $6$ and the $3$-adic valuation is odd, then $n$ is Zumkeller"? $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 27 at 12:43

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