How math powers AI: Inside large language models

In partnership with

Large language models like GPT don’t just appear out of thin air. They’re built on solid mathematical foundations. Vectors, matrices, the transformer’s attention mechanism, there’s are fundamentals to each part of this, and you’ll need to link theory to code to work with them.

Tech News:

• Make your code run 14,000x faster with this Python command

• The Most Popular AI Chat Tool for Developers? It’s ChatGPT (StackOverflow)

• Access The Full Python Course On Demand with Hackr Premium

• UC Berkeley CS188 Intro to AI Course (Berkeley)

What Math Do You Need to Know to Work with LLMs?

At the core of large language models lie several fundamental areas of mathematics that power their impressive language skills. If you want to work effectively with LLMs, grasping these key topics will help:

• Linear Algebra: This is the backbone of neural networks. Concepts like vectors, matrices, and matrix multiplication underpin data representation and the calculations inside model layers. Embeddings, attention scores, and transformations all use linear algebra.

• Probability and Statistics: Language models predict the next word based on probability distributions. Understanding concepts like conditional probability, likelihood, and distributions helps you interpret model behavior and loss functions.

• Calculus: Specifically, multivariable calculus enables optimization. Gradients and derivatives tell the model how to adjust weights during training through backpropagation and gradient descent.

• Optimization Theory: Knowing how optimization algorithms work helps you tune training to minimize errors efficiently.

Partner Messages

Want to get the most out of ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a superpower if you know how to use it correctly.

Discover how HubSpot's guide to AI can elevate both your productivity and creativity to get more things done.

Learn to automate tasks, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation with the power of AI.

Download the free guide

Score the Best Hoka Shoe Deals This Summer

Gearing up for summer adventures? Treat your feet to Hoka’s unmatched comfort. Whether you're running, walking, or relaxing, Hoka shoes offer exceptional cushioning and support to keep you cool and comfortable all season long. Thanks to Brad’s Deals, we’ve rounded up the best spots to snag these high-performance shoes at amazing prices.

Related Reading