On the diophantine equations generalizing those of Markoff (Q1367972)

This work studies the diophantine equations of the form \[ x^2 +y^2 + z^2 = Lxyz - ux \] for natural numbers \(u\) and \(L\). When \(L=3\) and \(u=0\), one obtains the Markoff equation, for which the set of solutions in positive integers can be given in the form of a tree (that is, form a single orbit under a certain group action). In the case of non-zero \(u\) and \(L\) for which there exists at least one solution in positive integers, it is shown here that there are infinitely many such solutions. Furthermore, these can be placed into finitely many trees. Letting \(v = Lxy-2y\), one finds that an equation as above has a solution if and only if there is a corresponding integer which can be expressed as a sum of squares in two particular ways. This allows a means for listing those equations which do indeed have solutions in positive integers. The techniques throughout are inspired by those of \textit{T. W. Cusick} [Aequationes Math. 46, 203-211 (1993; Zbl 0813.11013)], in turn generalizing earlier work of the author [\textit{S. Perrine}, J. Number Theory 37, 211-230 (1991; Zbl 0714.11039)].