No label defined (Q4220180)

The author gives an elementary presentation of the theory of expansion of arbitrary functions into series of eigenfunctions and adjoint functions of a linear ordinary differential operator. He starts with the formula of integration by parts, introduces notions of formal selfadjoint and nonselfadjoint differential operators and boundary conditions, and formulates the eigenvalue problem. A theorem is given without proof which guarantees that the system of eigenfunctions and root functions of a linear ordinary differential operator is a basis in \(L_2[a,b]\). The article is based on a lecture given by the author for secondary school teachers in the framework of the ``International Soros science educational program'' and is aimed to presenting contemporary developments in mathematics on an elementary level understandable for secondary school teachers and pupils.