A method for solving the initial-value problem of the Korteweg-deVries equation is presented which is applicable to initial data that approach a constant sufficiently rapidly as $\mathrm{}\left|x\right|\mathrm{}\to \infty$. The method can be used to predict exactly the "solitons," or solitary waves, which emerge from arbitrary initial conditions. Solutions that describe any finite number of solitons in interaction can be expressed in closed form.

• Received 15 September 1967

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.19.1095