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Mathematical Introduction to Deep Learning: Methods, Implementations, and Theory (arxiv.org)
1 point by sebg on Nov 10, 2023 | hide | past | pdf | discuss on HN

In plain words: A textbook that explains neural network designs, training algorithms, and the math behind why they work, including how networks can solve equations from physics. It starts from zero background and aims to give students and practitioners a solid mathematical foundation.

Abstract

This book aims to provide an introduction to the topic of deep learning algorithms. We review essential components of deep learning algorithms in full mathematical detail including different artificial neural network (ANN) architectures (such as fully-connected feedforward ANNs, convolutional ANNs, recurrent ANNs, residual ANNs, and ANNs with batch normalization) and different optimization algorithms (such as the basic stochastic gradient descent (SGD) method, accelerated methods, and adaptive methods). We also cover several theoretical aspects of deep learning algorithms such as approximation capacities of ANNs (including a calculus for ANNs), optimization theory (including Kurdyka-Łojasiewicz inequalities), and generalization errors. In the last part of the book some deep learning approximation methods for PDEs are reviewed including physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) and deep Galerkin methods. We hope that this book will be useful for students and scientists who do not yet have any background in deep learning at all and would like to gain a solid foundation as well as for practitioners who would like to obtain a firmer mathematical understanding of the objects and methods considered in deep learning.

Arnulf Jentzen, Benno Kuckuck, Philippe von Wurstemberger
arXiv:2310.20360 · cs.LG, cs.AI, math.NA, math.PR, stat.ML · submitted Oct 31, 2023 · updated Jul 15, 2025
abstract · pdf · 737 pages, 33 figures, 45 source codes, 87 exercises. In v3, Chapters 5, 6, and 7 in Part III (Optimization) have been expanded

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Also discussed: Jan 2024 (450 points, 154 comments) · Nov 2023 (6 points, 2 comments)