Lesson 2: Functions, Calculus, and Optimization Foundations
Lesson Overview
Develop practical capability in functions, calculus, and optimization foundations as part of the Essential Mathematics and Statistics for Machine Learning with MATLAB learning path.
Topics Covered
Functions and graphical interpretation
Limits, derivatives, gradients, and partial derivatives
Chain rule and multivariable optimization
Loss functions and objective functions
Numerical minimization in MATLAB
Learning-rate and convergence concepts
Practical Activity
Build a guided MATLAB exercise covering functions and graphical interpretation.
Apply limits, derivatives, gradients, and partial derivatives to a practical engineering or data scenario.
Validate results and troubleshoot an issue involving learning-rate and convergence concepts.
Key Takeaways
Explain and apply functions and graphical interpretation.
Use chain rule and multivariable optimization in a structured workflow.
Validate outputs with plots, metrics, tests, or simulation evidence.
