Markov uniqueness conjecture for Markov triples

Prove that every Markov triple of positive integers satisfying x^2+y^2+z^2=3xyz is uniquely determined by its largest entry, equivalently that no two distinct Markov triples have the same Markov number.

Background

A Markov triple is a triple of positive integers satisfying x2+y2+z2=3xyz, and its largest entry is called a Markov number. The paper identifies the assertion that Markov triples are determined by their largest numbers as Markov's uniqueness conjecture and notes that the general statement has not been resolved. The paper's main contribution is an equivalent reformulation of this conjecture as the injectivity of an explicitly defined function on primitive necklaces of positive integers with small variation; it does not prove the conjecture itself.

References

A triple of positive integers $x,y,z>0$ such that $x2+y2+z2=3xyz$ is called a Markov triple and were introduced by Markov in the late XIX century. Frobenius conjectured in that these triples are always determined by their largest number, also called a Markov number. This is known as Markov's uniqueness conjecture, see . Since then, many partial results have been made for Markov numbers of a given form, such as prime powers or particular linear functions of prime powers, see e.g. . However, the general statement remains open.

Markov's Conjecture on integral necklaces  (2501.15550 - Fisac, 26 Jan 2025) in Part Introduction

A triple of positive integers $x,y,z>0$ such that $x2+y2+z2=3xyz$ is called a Markov triple and were introduced by Markov in the late XIX century. Frobenius conjectured in that these triples are always determined by their largest number, also called a Markov number. This is known as Markov's uniqueness conjecture, see . Since then, many partial results have been made for Markov numbers of a given form, such as prime powers or particular linear functions of prime powers, see e.g. . However, the general statement remains open.

Markov's Conjecture on integral necklaces  (2501.15550 - Fisac, 26 Jan 2025) in Part Introduction

A triple of positive integers $x,y,z>0$ such that $x2+y2+z2=3xyz$ is called a Markov triple and were introduced by Markov in the late XIX century. Frobenius conjectured in that these triples are always determined by their largest number, also called a Markov number. This is known as Markov's uniqueness conjecture, see . Since then, many partial results have been made for Markov numbers of a given form, such as prime powers or particular linear functions of prime powers, see e.g. . However, the general statement remains open.

Markov's Conjecture on integral necklaces  (2501.15550 - Fisac, 26 Jan 2025) in Part Introduction