Abstract: | In this paper, a unified approach for analysing finite dimensional approximations to a class of partial differential equations boundary value problems (second‐kind Fredholm differential equations) is introduced. The approach is shown to be general despite of its extremely simple form. In particular, it is expected to be useful in the convergence analysis of finite element methods for solving PDE problems. Three specific examples are presented to illustrate the broad applicability of the approach. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |