Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2010/iii/paper-15/1/c/solution

Using the coordinate formula for the Lie bracket of vector fields, the two components are
Thus , which is not the zero vector field.
The integral curves of a vector field solve , , whereas those of solve , . Their local flows are
Both formulas exist for all real parameters, so both are complete vector fields. Direct composition gives
At their first coordinates differ by . Hence these local flows do not commute when are nonzero.
For the Lie bracket of vector fields, start at . An integral curve of a vector field is
It solves , , but diverges as . It cannot extend through that finite time as a curve in . Complete vector fields are therefore not closed under the Lie bracket.
For the sum , its integral curves of a vector field obey , . Substitution of and requires
Choosing gives the integral curve of a vector field
It starts at and escapes to infinity at the finite time . Complete vector fields are not closed under addition either. Both failures use the same pair of complete vector fields.

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