New oscillation criteria for first-order delay difference equations (Q1767903)

Oscillation criteria are given for the first-order delay difference equation \[ x_{n+1} - x_n + (k^k)/((k+1)^{k+1})x_{n-k} + f(n,x_{n-l_1},\dots,x_{n-l_s}) = 0 \] where \(k\), \(l_1,\dots,l_s\) are positive integers and \(f\) is non-decreasing with respect to \(x_i\); also if all \(x_i\geq0\) then \(f\geq 0\), \(\forall n\) and if all \(x_i\leq0\) then \(f\leq 0\), \(\forall n\). The special case \(f\equiv a_nx_{n-k}\) is considered. The authors also consider oscillation criteria for \(\Delta^2x_{n-1}+p_nx_n=0\) with \(p_n\geq 0\) and apply them to deduce oscillation criteria for the above first order equation in the mentioned special case.