Geometric Aspects of Reduction of Order (Q4032460)

Reduction of order via symmetry for ordinary differential equations has a standard meaning. In the case of a single first order equation, an integrating factor can be constructed from the symmetry and this converts the equation to an exact one. In the paper under review, a generalization of the integrating factor approach is provided, using Cartan theory on exterior differential systems [see \textit{E. Cartan}, Les Systèmes Différentiels Extérieurs et leurs Applications Géométriques, Hermann, Paris (1945)]. First, the authors recall the correspondence between symmetries and integrating factors for explicit first order ordinary differential equations and give an example. Next, they extend the theory of integrating factor to a second order equation, by constructing first integrals and hence solutions from generators of local one-parameter groups and a certain 2-form which characterizes the differential equation. A nice example is shown. A general theory is developed and applications to arbitrary systems of ordinary differential equations are obtained. Finally, connections with the theory of canonical coordinates are presented.