Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2020/ii/paper-3/32c/a/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2020 ii Paper 3 32C a Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-29
Write , , and . On the jet space of a scalar ordinary differential equation, definewhere the total derivative operator isThe order- prolongation of a vector field is
In the coordinates , the given action of the special orthogonal group isDifferentiating at gives the infinitesimal generator of a Lie point symmetryso and . The recursive formula givesandTherefore the second prolongation of the rotation generator for plane graphs is
For ,which vanishes when . Forwe obtainwhich likewise vanishes on the equation. This is the infinitesimal invariance criterion for both equations.
Geometrically, describes straight lines. The signed curvature of a plane graph isso the second equation says and describes consistently oriented arcs of unit circles. Rotation preserves straight lines, circles, and signed curvature, explaining both invariances.
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