On the differential equation \(y''+p(t)|{}y' |\) sgn \(y + q(t)y=0\) (Q1199194)

Separation and comparison theorems of the Sturm-Picone type are obtained for the zeros of solutions of the equation \((ry')'+p| y'|\text{sgn} y+qy=0\), where \(p\), \(q\), \(r'\) are piecewise continuous functions in an interval, and \(r>0\). As applications, sharp inequalities are proved of the type discovered by de la Vallée Poussin, Opial, and by \textit{J. H. E. Cohn} [Q. J. Math., Oxf. II. Ser. 39, No. 154, 173-174 (1988; Zbl 0668.34036)].