Algebraic Properties of First Integrals for Scalar Linear Third-Order ODEs of Maximal Symmetry

By use of the Lie symmetry group methods we analyze the relationship between the first integrals of the simplest linear third-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and their point symmetries. It is well known that there are three classes of linear third-order ODEs for maximal cases of point s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: K. S. Mahomed, E. Momoniat
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2013-01-01
Series:Abstract and Applied Analysis
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/530365
Description
Summary:By use of the Lie symmetry group methods we analyze the relationship between the first integrals of the simplest linear third-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and their point symmetries. It is well known that there are three classes of linear third-order ODEs for maximal cases of point symmetries which are 4, 5, and 7. The simplest scalar linear third-order equation has seven-point symmetries. We obtain the classifying relation between the symmetry and the first integral for the simplest equation. It is shown that the maximal Lie algebra of a first integral for the simplest equation y′′′=0 is unique and four-dimensional. Moreover, we show that the Lie algebra of the simplest linear third-order equation is generated by the symmetries of the two basic integrals. We also obtain counting theorems of the symmetry properties of the first integrals for such linear third-order ODEs. Furthermore, we provide insights into the manner in which one can generate the full Lie algebra of higher-order ODEs of maximal symmetry from two of their basic integrals.
ISSN:1085-3375
1687-0409