Gaussian Happy Numbers

Abstract

This paper extends the concept of a $B$-happy number, for $B\ge 2$, from the rational integers, $\mathbb{Z}$, to the Gaussian integers, $\mathbb{Z}[i]$. We investigate the fixed points and cycles of the Gaussian $B$-happy functions, determining them for small values of $B$ and providing a method for computing them for any $B\ge 2$. We discuss heights of Gaussian $B$-happy numbers, proving results concerning the smallest Gaussian $B$-happy numbers of certain heights. Finally, we prove conditions for the existence and non-existence of arbitrarily long arithmetic sequences of Gaussian $B$-happy numbers.