Symmetry Methods for Differential Equations: A Beginner's Guide (Cambridge Texts in Applied Mathematics, Series Number 22)

A good working knowledge of symmetry methods is very valuable for those working with mathematical models. This book is a straightforward introduction to the subject for applied mathematicians, physicists, and engineers. The informal presentation uses many worked examples to illustrate the major symmetry methods. Written at a level suitable for postgraduates and advanced undergraduates, the text will enable readers to master the main techniques quickly and easily. The book contains some methods not previously published in a text, including those methods for obtaining discrete symmetries and integrating factors.

This book is a straightforward introduction to the subject of symmetry methods for solving differential equations, and is aimed at applied mathematicians, physicists, and engineers. The presentation is informal, using many worked examples to illustrate the main symmetry methods. It is written at a level suitable for postgraduates and advanced undergraduates, and is designed to enable the reader to master the main techniques quickly and easily.The book contains some methods that have not previously appeared in a text. These include methods for obtaining discrete symmetries and integrating factors.