Equivalence, invariants, and symmetry

Peter J. Olver0521478111, 9780521478113

This book presents an innovative synthesis of methods used to study the problems of equivalence and symmetry that arise in a variety of mathematical fields and physical applications. It draws on a wide range of disciplines, including geometry, analysis, applied mathematics, and algebra. Dr. Olver develops systematic and constructive methods for solving equivalence problems and calculating symmetries, and applies them to a variety of mathematical systems, including differential equations, variational problems, manifolds, Riemannian metrics, polynomials, and differential operators. He emphasizes the construction and classification of invariants and reductions of complicated objects to simple canonical forms. This book will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in geometry, analysis, algebra, mathematical physics and related fields.