Fourth order difference equations: Oscillation and nonoscillation (Q1316363)

Consider the fourth order difference equation \[ \Delta^ 2 (P_ n \Delta^ 2 U_ n)-Q_{n+1} \Delta^ 2 U_{n+1}-R_{n+2} U_{n+2}=0 \tag{*} \] where \(P_ n\), \(Q_ n\) and \(R_ n\) are real sequences satisfying \(P_ n>0\), \(Q_ n \geq 0\) and \(R_ n>0\) for all \(n \geq 1\). In Section 2, the author discusses disconjugacy properties of (*) and examines the distribution of generalized zeros of various solutions, specifically those having a generalized zero of order greater than one. The author also studies the asymptotic behavior of these solutions. In Section 3, he studies the properties of nonoscillatory solutions of (*). Finally in Section 4, he gives some sufficient conditions for the oscillation of all solutions of (*). The results given in this paper generalize some of the results obtained by \textit{B. Smith} and \textit{W. E. Taylor} jun. [Tamkang J. Maths. 18, 89- 95 (1987; Zbl 0667.39001)] and \textit{J. W. Hooker} and \textit{W. T. Patula} [J. Aust. Math. Soc. 26, 310-328 (1985; Zbl 0565.39002)].