Practice Algebraic Invariance in Math

Use these practice problems to test your method after reviewing the concept explanation and worked examples.

Quick Recap

Algebraic properties or quantities that remain unchanged when specific algebraic transformations are applied to an expression or system.

The degree of a polynomial doesn't change when you multiply it by a non-zero constant.

Example 1

medium
The polynomial 2x^3 + 5x^2 - x + 3 can be rewritten as 2(x+1)^3 + (x+1)^2 - 4(x+1) + 5. What is invariant?

Example 2

hard
Show that the discriminant b^2 - 4ac is invariant under the substitution x = t + k in ax^2 + bx + c = 0.

Example 3

easy
When you factor x^2 + 5x + 6 = (x+2)(x+3), what is invariant?

Example 4

medium
What changes and what stays the same when multiplying both sides of 2x = 6 by 3?