Nodal solutions of weighted indefinite problems

Abstract: This paper analyzes the structure of the set of nodal solutions of a class of one-dimensional superlinear indefinite boundary values problems with an indefinite weight functions in front of the spectral parameter. Quite astonishingly, the associated high order eigenvalues might not be concave as it is the lowest one. As a consequence, in many circumstances the nodal solutions can bifurcate from three or even four bifurcation points from the trivial solution. This paper combines analytical and numerical tools. The analysis carried over on it is a paradigm of how mathematical analysis aids the numerical study of a problem, whereas simultaneously the numerical study confirms and illuminate the analysis.