A critical points theorem and nonlinear differential problems (Q2574759)

Both \textit{D. Averna} and \textit{G. Bonanno} [Topol. Methods Nonlinear Anal. 22, 93--103 (2003; Zbl 1048.58005)], and \textit{G. Bonanno} [Nonlinear Anal., Theory Methods Appl. 54, 651--665 (2003; Zbl 1031.49006)] established a theorem on the existence of 3 critical points of a functional of the type \(\Phi - \lambda J\) for each \(\lambda\) in a suitable interval. In this paper, conditions are given ensuring that both theorems hold and hence the functional \(\Phi - \lambda J\) has 3 critical points for each \(\lambda\) in the union of those intervals. This result is then applied to the Dirichlet boundary value problem \(u'' + \lambda f(u) = 0\), \(u(0)=u(1)=0\).