On adjoint symmetry equations, integrating factors and solutions of nonlinear ODEs

We consider the role of the adjoint equation in determining explicit integrating factors and first integrals of nonlinear ODEs. In Chandrasekar et al (2006 J. Math. Phys. 47 023508), the authors have used an extended version of the Prelle–Singer method for a class of nonlinear ODEs of the oscillator type. In particular, we show that their method actually involves finding a solution of the adjoint symmetry equation. Next, we consider a coupled second-order nonlinear ODE system and derive the corresponding coupled adjoint equations. We illustrate how the coupled adjoint equations can be solved to arrive at a first integral.