On the center-focus problem for the equation \(\frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} + \Sigma_{i=1}^n a_i(x) y^i = 0\), \(0\leq x \leq 1\) where \(a_i\) are polynomials (Q2202469)

This paper is mainly concerned with the center-focus problem for the equation \[ \frac{dy}{dx}+\sum_{i=0}^na_i(x)y^{i+1}=0,\, (0\leq x \leq 1) \] where \(a_i(x)\) are polynomials. The author first gives an explicit formula for the general solution of the above equation in terms of iterated path integrals. Then, he considers the problem of the number of limit cycles of a perturbed integrable Abel equation. Finally, he studies the irreducible components of the center variety of the polynomial Abel equation \[ \frac{dy}{dx}=p(x)y^2+q(x)y^3 \] as well as the center variety of the related Liénard equation \[ \dot{x}=y,\,\dot{y}=-q(x)-yp(x). \] The analysis in this paper is skillful and interesting and the results are useful in studying the second part of Hilbert's 16th problem.