Derivation and implicit solution of the Harry Dym equation and its connections with the Korteweg-de Vries equation

Abstract
The Harry Dym equation, which is related to the classical string problem, is derived in three different ways. An implicit cusp solitary-wave solution is constructed via a simple direct method. The existing connections between the Harry Dym and the Korteweg-de Vries equations are uniformised and simplified, and transformations between their respective solutions are carried out explicitly. Whenever possible, physical insights are provided.