“In mathematics, an invariant is a property of a mathematical object (or a class of mathematical objects) which remains unchanged, after operations or transformations of a certain type are applied to the objects. The particular class of objects and type of transformations are usually indicated by the context in which the term is used.” For example, “the distance between two points on a number line is not changed by adding the same quantity to both numbers.”
“The phrases “invariant under” [a transformation] and “invariant to” a transformation are both used.” For example, the distance between two points on a number line is invariant under adding the same quantity to both numbers, but not under multiplying both numbers by the same quantity.”
Source: “Invariant (mathematics),” retrieved 11/7/2020, emphasis added
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Disclaimer:
I am not a professional in this field, nor do I claim to know all of the jargon that is typically used in this field. I am not summarizing my sources; I simply read from a variety of websites until I feel like I understand enough about a topic to move on to what I actually wanted to learn. If I am inaccurate in what I say or you know a better, simpler way to explain a concept, I would be happy to hear from you :).
