Factoring linear differential operators on measure chains (Q5952857)

This paper contains fundamental results on the existence of positive solutions to an \(n\)th-order disconjugate dynamic equation on a measure chain (time scale) \({\mathbb T}\). In particular, Abel's theorem, the Polya factorization, and the Trench factorization are provided for this general case, thus extending and unifying the classical results of \textit{G. Pólya} [American M. S. Trans. 24, 312-324 (1924; JFM 50.0299.02)] and \textit{W. F. Trench} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 189, 319-327 (1974; Zbl 0289.34051)] for differential equations \((\mathbb{T}=\mathbb{R})\) and of \textit{P. Hartman} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 246, 1-30 (1978; Zbl 0409.39001)] and \textit{R. J. Krueger} [Disconjugacy of \(n\)th-order linear difference equations, Ph.D. dissertation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1988) and Math. Comput. Modelling 32, No. 5-6, 549-564 (2000; Zbl 0970.39001)] for difference equations (\(\mathbb{T}=\mathbb{Z}\)). These results are important tools in the oscillation and spectral theories of dynamic equations. For example, the Trench factorization implies the existence of a principal system of solutions. This excellent paper will be very useful for researchers interested in qualitative theory of differential, difference, and/or dynamic equations.