Comparison theorems for fourth order differential equations (Q1074003)

Summary: This paper establishes an apparently overlooked relationship between the pair of fourth order linear equations \(y^{iv}-p(x)y=0\) and \(y^{iv}+p(x)y=0\), where p is a positive, continuous function defined on [0,\(\infty)\). It is shown that if all solutions of the first equation are nonoscillatory, then all solutions of the second equation must be nonoscillatory as well. An oscillation criterion for these equations is also given.