Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of discrete conjugate boundary value problems (Q1963098)

The boundary value problem \[ (-1)^{n-p}\Delta^n y=\lambda F(k,y, \Delta y,\dots, \Delta^{n-1}y), \] \(0\leq k\leq m\), \(\Delta^i y(0)=0\) for \(0 \leq i\leq p-1\), \[ \Delta^i y(m+n-i)=0 \] for \(0\leq i\leq n-p-1\), where \(1\leq p\leq n-1\) and \(\lambda>0\), is investigated under suitable conditions, where only positive eigenfunctions are sought. By means of a fixed-point Theorem and the properties of a certain Green function, the set of eigenvalues is characterized, in particular, eigenvalue intervals are established. In the case \(\lambda=1\) the existence of two eigenfunctions is shown. In particular cases, upper and lower bounds for the eigenfunctions are given. Four examples are included.