On the generalized Hurwitz equation and the Baragar-Umeda equation (Q2634299)

A generalized Hurwitz equation is of the form \[ \sum_{i=1}^{n}\, a_i x_{i}^2 = -k + d \prod_{i=1}^n\, x_i\,, \] with \(n\geq 3, k\geq 0, a_i >0\) all integers and such that each \(a_i\) divides \(d\) while also the \(a_i\) are pairwise relatively prime. Hurwitz studied the case when all \(a_i =1\). The case of \(n=3\) has been referred to as the Markoff-Rosenberger equations; Baragar-Umeda treated the case of \(n=3\) with \(a_1, a_2, a_2\) free of common divisor. The authors survey results about the equations; refute a claim by \textit{W. M. Goldman} [Geom. Topol. 7, 443--486 (2003; Zbl 1037.57001)] of a gap in a proof of a lemma in a paper of two of the authors [Arch. Math. 34, 481--493 (1980; Zbl 0432.20044)]; present a secret sharing protocol using the equations; complete Baragar-Umeda's search for fundamental solutions for their equations. In short, this is an interesting paper. It is well-written, with its occasional oddities of English being more thought provoking than confusing.