Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 October 2008
The object of this paper is to find the characteristic functions and the characteristic numbers of the partial differential equation
valid in a domain G, and where on Γ, the boundary of G. The method employed is to transform two quadratic forms to their common self-conjugate “triangle“ of reference. The solution to the problem is given by this method in a simple manner, without the use of the integral equation theory, or the use of minimal sequences.
* Courant-Hilbert, , Methoden der mathematischen Physik, Ch. 6.Google Scholar
† The method of this paragraph is obtained from Hilbert, , Grundzüge einer allgemeine Theorie der linearen Integralgleichungen, pp. 147et seq.Google Scholar
* When , hence |x i| < √K.
* By this we mean that every point of C 1′ is at an equal distance δ from C 1, and that C 1′ has no double points.
* Courant-Hilbert, loc. cit., Ch. 6, p. 328.