Linear Algebra: Vectors, Matrices in Deep Learning : Part II

Linear Algebra: Vectors, Matrices in Deep Learning : Part II

What are Vectors in Linear Algebra?

A vector is like an arrow that has two key properties:

  1. Magnitude (how long the arrow is or how much something moves).
  2. Direction (where the arrow points, like north, south, east, or west).

In simple terms, a vector represents something that has size and direction. Think of it as a way to describe movement or positioning in space.


Real-Life Example of Vectors

Imagine you are playing a game of treasure hunt. The clue says:

  • "Move 3 steps forward and 2 steps to the right."

This movement can be represented by a vector:


  • The 3 means moving 3 steps forward (y-axis).
  • The 2 means moving 2 steps to the right (x-axis).

In this case:

  • The magnitude of the vector is the total distance you traveled (you can calculate it using the Pythagorean theorem).
  • The direction is the angle or path you followed.


How Vectors are Used in Real Life

  1. Weather Forecasting: Wind is described using vectors. For example, a wind blowing at 20 km/h towards the northeast is a vector.
  2. Navigation: A plane flying at a certain speed and direction is represented as a vector to calculate where it will go.
  3. Sports: In football or cricket, the force and direction with which the ball is hit can be shown as a vector.


Relation to Deep Learning

In deep learning, vectors are everywhere! Think of them as the building blocks for understanding data. Here's how they work:

1. Data Representation

Imagine a dataset where each item has several properties. For example:

  • A student’s grades in Math (85), Science (90), and English (75).

This can be represented as a vector:


Each number represents a feature of the data.

2. Neural Networks

In a neural network, vectors represent:

  • Inputs (like features of an image or text).
  • Weights (connections between neurons).
  • Outputs (predictions or classifications).

For example:

  • If you input the vector

  • , the network processes it to predict whether the student will pass or fail.


Simplified Deep Learning Example

Imagine you're teaching a robot to identify fruits:

  1. You represent each fruit using a vector. For example:

  1. The neural network uses these vectors to "learn" the difference between an apple and a banana.



Why Vectors are Important in Deep Learning

  • Efficient Calculations: Vectors allow computers to handle large amounts of data quickly.
  • Multi-Dimensional Space: Vectors help deep learning models understand patterns in multi-dimensional data (e.g., images, audio).


By learning vectors, you’re taking your first step into understanding how computers learn from data!




What are Matrices in Linear Algebra?

A matrix is like a table of numbers arranged in rows and columns. Each number in the matrix is called an element, and the matrix can represent a group of related data.

You can think of a matrix as a way to organize or process information in a structured form. While a vector is a list (one column or one row of numbers), a matrix is a collection of rows and columns.


Real-Life Example of Matrices

Example 1: Classroom Grades

Imagine you are the class monitor and need to record the test scores of students in 3 subjects: Math, Science, and English.

You create this table:


This table can be written as a matrix:



  • Rows: Represent individual students (A, B, C).
  • Columns: Represent subjects (Math, Science, English).

Example 2: Images

An image on your phone or computer is essentially a matrix!

  • Each pixel in the image has a brightness or color value.
  • A grayscale image is a matrix where each number represents the brightness of a pixel.

For example:


Each number (element) represents the intensity of a pixel.


What Can You Do with Matrices?

Matrices are used to store and manipulate large amounts of data at once. Some operations you can perform:

  1. Add Matrices: Add two matrices of the same size by adding their corresponding elements.
  2. Multiply Matrices: Combine data by performing a specific row-column calculation.
  3. Transform Data: Rotate, scale, or shift data (useful for graphics and deep learning).


Relation to Deep Learning

Matrices are essential in deep learning because they help organize and process data efficiently. Here's how:

1. Data Representation

  • Input Data: A dataset of images, text, or numbers is stored as a matrix.
  • Example: A dataset of student scores for 5 students in 3 subjects is represented as:

2. Weights in Neural Networks

  • In a neural network, connections between layers are represented as matrices called weight matrices.
  • These matrices "transform" the input data to identify patterns or relationships.


Simplified Deep Learning Example

Imagine a neural network is trying to predict if a student will pass based on their scores.

  1. Input Matrix (Student Scores):

  • Weight Matrix (Importance of Subjects):

  1. Matrix Multiplication: The neural network multiplies the input matrix with the weight matrix:


Why Matrices are Important in Deep Learning

  1. Handle Large Data: Matrices allow deep learning models to process huge datasets like images or text efficiently.
  2. Transform Data: Matrices help in scaling, rotating, or adjusting data for better learning.
  3. Learning Patterns: Neural networks use matrix operations to "learn" relationships in data.

Dr. Sachin Malhotra

Dean Academics | Dean - Training & Placements | Author | Jury Member I Bridging Industry-Academia Gap

3 个月

Very helpful sir...

Dr. Abhinav Juneja

Dean, CRPC and Industry Institute Collaboration at KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad

3 个月

Sir the more i know your passion for the profession more inspired i become Salute to you for making it simple. A Must read for young minds.

Asad Khan

Supervisor - Incident Management- | Data Science | IIT Madras - Diploma in Data Science | Pursuing BS in DataScience from IIT Madras.

3 个月

Very Informative Sir..

Kun Zhu, Ph.D.

Chief Data Storyteller

3 个月

I really enjoy reading your articles. Explaining dry concepts in simple language is powerful skill. It all depends on what major you studied at school. Matrix manipulation is foundational to solve large scale differential equations which are very common in Electrical and Mechanical engineering.

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