The use of Riemann problems in solving a class of transcendental equations

A method of finding explicit expressions for the roots of a certain class of transcendental equations is discussed. In particular it is shown by determining a canonical solution of an associated Riemann boundary-value problem that expressions for the roots may be derived in closed form. The explicit solutions to two transcendental equations, tan β = ωβ and β tan β = ω, are discussed in detail, and additional specific results are given.