On certain analytical methods in finding integrable systems and their interconnections

Abstract: In this paper, to begin with, we review six different analytical methods which are widely used to derive symmetries, integrating factors, multipliers, Darboux polynomials and integrals of second order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. We illustrate the algorithm behind each method by considering a nonlinear oscillator equation as an example. In the second part of this paper, we examine the interconnections between these methods. We establish a road map between extended Prelle-Singer procedure with all other methods cited above and thereby demonstrate the interplay between Lie point symmetries, $\lambda$-symmetries, adjoint symmetries, null forms, integrating factors, Darboux polynomials, and Jacobi multipliers of second order integrable ODEs. The interconnections are illustrated with the same example finally.