Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2018 ii Paper 3 33A a Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-03
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2020 ii Paper 3 32C a Solution 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.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2023 ii Paper 3 32E a Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
Let be the group parameter. The infinitesimal generator of a Lie point symmetryhas flow equationsTherefore it generates the scaling group
Here , , and . The total-derivative formulas for the second prolongation of a Lie point symmetry giveandThusFor the wave equation expression ,It therefore vanishes whenever , proving that generates the simultaneous spacetime scaling symmetry of the wave equation.
The independent invariant of the scaling orbits is the similarity variablewhile itself is invariant. Seek a group-invariant solution . Direct partial differentiation givesThe wave equation reduces toHence, on any interval avoiding ,