Topological invariant

A topological invariant is like a badge or label for something. It can tell us something about the thing it is labeling. For example, a topological invariant might tell us the shape of something like an object or a piece of paper. If the shape of an object is cut, twisted, bent, or stretched, the object will still have the same topological invariant label. That way, no matter what shape the object is in, it can still be recognized.