On a class of fourth order linear recurrence equations (Q1058682)

The paper is concerned with the fourth-order linear difference equation \(\Delta^ 4y(k)+p(k+2)y(k+2)=0\), \(k=0,1,2,...\), where the coefficient function p is real and positive. The analysis of this equation is carried out at the corresponding second-order system \(\Delta^ 2x(k)=- p(k+1)y(k+1)\), \(\Delta^ 2y(k)=x(k+1)\). The subjects treated include monotonicity of solutions, separation of nodes, oscillation and nonoscillation properties of solutions.