Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2023 / ii / Paper 3 / 32E / a / Solution

Let $ϵ$ be the group parameter. The infinitesimal generator of a Lie point symmetryhas flow equationsTherefore it generates the scaling group

Here ${\xi }^t=t$, ${\xi }^x=x$, and $\eta =0$. The total-derivative formulas for the second prolongation of a Lie point symmetry giveandThusFor the wave equation expression $F=u_{tt}-u_{xx}$,It therefore vanishes whenever $F=0$, proving that $V$ generates the simultaneous spacetime scaling symmetry of the wave equation.

The independent invariant of the scaling orbits is the similarity variablewhile $u$ itself is invariant. Seek a group-invariant solution $u(t,x)=f(z)$. Direct partial differentiation givesThe wave equation reduces toHence, on any interval avoiding $z=\pm 1$,

Solved by gpt-5.6-sol high.