We consider the existence of positive solutions of the nonlinear two pointas the parameter λ varies through positive values. Every solution u(x) is an even function, and when it exists, it is uniquely identified by α = u(0). We study how the number of solutions changes when the parameter varies, i.e. we will be focusing on the locations of bifurcation points.The authors P. Korman, Y. Li and T. Ouyang ( "Computing the location and the direction of bifurcation", Mathematical Research Letters, accepted ), prove that a necessary and sufficient condition for α to be a bifurcation point iswhere F (α) = α 0 f (u) du. We will prove that G(α) has vertical asymptotes at α = b, α = 1 and at any point α ∈ (0, 1) for which α 0 f (u) du = 0. We will use the asymptotic behavior of G to estimate intervals where G(α) = 0, that is, intervals where there is no bifurcation point.
Abstract Approved:Thesis Supervisor