The number of limit cycles for generalized Abel equations with periodic coefficients of definite sign (Q1041683)

Consider the non-autonomous scalar differential equation \[ x'= a(t) x^{n_a}+ b(t) x^{n_b}+ c(t) x^{n_c}+ d(t) x,\tag{\(*\)} \] where \(a\), \(b\), \(c\), \(d\) are continuous \(2\pi\)-periodic functions, \(n_a> n_b> n_c> 1\) are natural numbers. The authors prove that, if \(b\) and \(c\) have definite sign and if the sign of \(b\) is strict and opposite to the sign of \(c\), then there exists a function \(a\) such that \((*)\) with \(d\equiv 0\) has at least three positive isolated \(2\pi\)-periodic solutions. An analogous result is valid in case that \(a\) and \(c\) have the same definite sign. Another type of result reads as follows. If \(a\) and \(b\), or \(b\) and \(c\) have the same definite sign, or \(a\) and \(c\) have opposite sign, then equation \((*)\) has at most two positive isolated \(2\pi\)-periodic solutions. Finally, the authors prove an analogous result by means of a special subsolution (supersolution).