Nonlinear Poincaré-Perron theorem (Q2235022)

A nonlinear extension of the Poincaré-Perron theorem for a second order half-linear differential equation \[ (\Phi(y'))'+a(t)\Phi(y')+ b(t)\Phi(y) = 0 \] is established, where \(\Phi(u)=|u|^{\alpha-1}{\mathrm{sgn}}\, u\), \(\alpha>1\), \(a\), \(b\) are real continuous functions on \([t_0,\infty)\). Conditions are established which guarantee that all nontrivial solutions are such that a proper limit \(\lim_{t\to\infty}y'(t)/y(t)\) exists. Their precise asymptotic formulae are found. Theory of regular variation is used to prove results. Importance of the paper is visible -- it could serve as a pattern when studying more general (semi-half-linear or quasilinear) equations involving \(p\)-Laplace operator (these can be viewed as a perturbation of half-linear equations). Results can be of interest also from the stability theory point of view.