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Math fundamentals and Katex
It was really tough for me to understand many articles about data science due to the requirements of understanding mathematics (especially linear algebra). I’ve started to gain some basic knowledges about Math by reading a book first.
The great tool Typora and stackedit with supporting Katex syntax simply helps me to display Math-related symbols.
Let’s start!
The fundamental ideas of mathematics: “doing math” with numbers and functions. Linear algebra: “doing math” with vectors and linear transformations.
1. Solving equations
Solving equations means finding the value of the unknown in the equation. To find the solution, we must break the problem down into simpler steps. E.g:
x2−4x2−4+4x2x∣x∣x=7=45=45+4=49=49=7 or x=−7
2. Numbers
Definitions
Mathematicians like to classify the different kinds of number-like objects into sets:
The natural numbers: N = {0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7, … }
The integer: Z = { … , −3,−2,−1,0,1,2,3, … }
The rational numbers: Q = {35, 722, 1.5,0.125,−7, … }
The real numbers: R = {−1,0,1,2,e,π,4.94..., … }
The complex numbers: C = {−1,0,1,i,1+i,2+3i, … }
Operations on numbers
Addition is commutative and associative. That means: a+b=b+a a+b+c=(a+b)+c=a+(b+c)
Subtraction is the inverse operation of addition.
Multiplication is also commutative and associative. ab=b timesa+a+a+...+a=a timesb+b+b+...+b ab=ba abc=(ab)c=a(bc)
Division is the inverse operation of multiplication. You cannot divide by 0.
Exponentiation is multiplying a number by itself many times. ab=b timesaaa...a a−b=ab1 na≡an1
The symbol “≡” stands for “is equivalent to” and is used when two mathematical object are identical.
3. Variables
Variables are placeholder names for any number or unknown. Variable substitution: we can often change variables and replace one unknown variable with another to simplify an equation. For example:
5−x6=xu=x5−u6=u
4. Functions and their inverses
The inverse functionf−1 performs the opposite action of the function f so together the two functions cancel each other out. For example:
f(x)=c
f−1(f(x))=x=f−1(c)
x=f−1(c)
Common functions and their inverses: functionf(x)x+22xx22x3x+5axexp(x)≡exsin(x)cos(x)⇔inversef−1(x)⇔x−2⇔21x⇔±x⇔log2(x)⇔31(x−5)⇔loga(x)⇔ln(x)≡loge(x)⇔sin−1(x)≡arcsin(x)⇔cos−1(x)≡arccos(x)
The principle of “digging” (Bruce Lee-style) toward the unknown by applying inverse functions is the key for solving all these types of equations, so be sure to practice using it.
5. Basic rules of algebra
Given any three numbers a, b, and c we can apply the following algebraic properties:
Associative property: a+b+c=(a+b)+c=a+(b+c) and abc=(ab)c=a(bc)
Commutative property: a+b=b+a and ab=ba
Distributive property: a(b+c) = ab+ac
Some algebraic tricks are useful when solving equations
Expanding brackets: (x+3)(x+2)=x2+5x+6
Factoring: 2x2y+2x+4x=2x(xy+1+2)=2x(xy+3)
Quadratic factoring: x2−5x+6=(x−2)(x−3)
Completing the square: Ax2+Bx+C=A(x−h)2+k e.g: x2+4x+1=(x+2)2−3
6. Solving quadratic equations
The solutions to the equation ax2+bx+c=0 are x1=2a−b+b2−4acandx2=2a−b−b2−4ac
Actually, we can use the technique completing the square to explain this formula.
7. The Cartesian plane
Vectors and points
Point: P=(Px,Py). To find this point, start from the origin and move a distance Px on the x-axis, then move a distance Py on the y-axis.
Vector: v=(vx,vy). Unlike points, we don’t necessarily start from the plane’s origin when mapping vectors.
Graphs of functions
The Cartesian plane is great for visualizing functions, f:R→R
A function as a set of input-output pairs (x,y)=(x,f(x))
8. Functions
We use functions to describe the relationship between variables.
To “know” a function, you must be able to understand and connect several of its aspects including definition, graph, values and relations.
Definition: f:A→B. Function is a mapping from numbers to numbers.
Function composition: fog(x)≡f(g(x))=z
Inverse function: f−1(f(x))≡f−1of(x)=x
Table of values: {(x1,f(x1)),(x2,f(x2)),...}
Function graph: using the Cartesian plane
Relations: e.g: sin2x+cos2x=1
9. Function references
- Line
The equation of a line: f(x)=mx+b and f−1(x)=m1(x−b)
The general equation: Ax+By=C
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