Positive solutions of singular sublinear Emden-Fowler boundary value problems (Q1346370)

Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of positive solutions of the singular boundary value problem (SBVP) (1) \(x'' + p(t) x^ \lambda = 0\), (2) \(x(0) = x(1) = 0\), where \(p \in C(0,1)\) such that \(p(t) \geq 0\) and \(0 < \lambda < 1\), by employing the method of lower and upper solutions. The uniqueness of the positive solution is also established. The following results are obtained: Theorem 1. The SBVP (1), (2) has \(C[0,1]\) positive solutions if and only if \(0 < \int^ 1_ 0 t(1 - t)p(t)dt < \infty\). By a \(C[0,1]\) solution \(x(t)\) of (1) and (2) it is meant that \(x \in C[0,1] \cap C^ 2 (0,1)\) such that (2) holds and (1) is satisfied for \(t \in (0,1)\). Theorem 2. The SBVP (1), (2) has \(C^ 1[0,1]\) positive solutions if and only if \(0 < \int^ 1_ 0 t^ \lambda (1 - t)^ \lambda p(t)dt < \infty\). By a \(C^ 1[0,1]\) solution \(x(t)\) of (1) and (2) it is meant that \(x(t)\) is a \(C[0,1]\) solution of (1) and (2) such that \(x'(0+)\) and \(x'(1-)\) exist.