Exponential solutions of equation ˙ y(t) = β(t)[y(t − δ)− y(t −τ)]

Asymptotic behaviour of solutions of first-order differential equation with two deviating arguments of the form ˙ y(t) = β(t) y(t − δ) − y(t − τ) is discussed for t→∞. A criterion for representing solutions in exponential form is proved. As consequences, inequalities for such solutions are given. Connections with known results are discussed and a sufficient condition for existence of unbounded solutions, generalizing previous ones, is derived. An illustrative example is considered, too.  2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved