Meromorphic solutions of some difference equations of \(n\)th order (Q1074736)

The author studies the difference equation \[ \alpha_ ny(x+n)+\alpha_{n-1}y(x+n-1)+...+\alpha_ 1y(x+1)=R(y(x)), \] from the viewpoint of complex analytic theory. Here \(R(w)=P(w)/Q(w)\) is a rational function of w with \(p=\deg P\), \(q=\deg Q\). The main theorem is as follows: The equation possesses a nontrivial meromorphic solution whenever \(p\geq q+2\). By virtue of a previous result of the author, the meromorphic solution is transcendental and of Nevanlinna order \(\infty\). The main theorem is obtained by several precise theorems each of which is interesting by itself. We remark that each theorem concerning the existence of a meromorphic solution is shown by constructing it in a domain extending to the point at infinity, namely, the analytic expression of the solution is given.