General Theory
The general theory underlying the Fredholm equations is known as Fredholm theory. One of the principal results is that the kernel K is a compact operator, known as the Fredholm operator. Compactness may be shown by invoking equicontinuity. As an operator, it has a spectral theory that can be understood in terms of a discrete spectrum of eigenvalues that tend to 0.
Read more about this topic: Fredholm Integral Equation
Famous quotes containing the words general and/or theory:
“The General has dedicated himself so many times, he must feel like the cornerstone of a public building.”
—Adlai Stevenson (1900–1965)
“A theory if you hold it hard enough
And long enough gets rated as a creed....”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)