Symmetry methods and some nonlinear differential equations : Background and illustrative examples

Abstract: Differential equations, in particular the nonlinear ones, are commonly used in formulating most of the fundamental laws of nature as well as many technological problems, among others. This makes the need for methods in finding closed form solutions to such equations all-important. In this thesis we study Lie symmetry methods for some nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODE). The study focuses on identifying and using the underlying symmetries of the given first order nonlinear ordinary differential equation. An extension of the method to higher order ODE is also discussed. Several illustrative examples are presented.