Elementary variational approach to zero-free solutions of a nonlinear eigenvalue problem (Q949732)

Some discrete nonlinear eigenvalue problems of the type \(Bu=\lambda F(u)\), with \(\lambda> 0\), \(B\) a positive definite \(n\times n\) matrix, and \(F\) a nonlinear term, are considered. This kind of problem arises in some applications. Existence of ``zero-free'' solutions (i.e., solutions with all components \(\neq 0\)) is proved by using elementary variational methods both in the subquadratic and superquadratic cases. Some counterexamples are also provided in order to show mistakes in some previous work on the subject.