How should I start with learning math required for AI

Question

I have studied mathematics, but that was a long time ago. I have been a programmer for 8 years but when I started to study concepts in AI and data mining I find it very difficult to understand the theory.

Now I have wasted 2-3 years and I have got nothing. I need to first understand the math concepts required to learn AI and data mining.

I don't know where to start. Which books and tutorials do you recommend I should start with from the AI point of view.

How should I go about obtaining the fundamental requirements to use AI and Data Mining concepts?

Answer 1

The most important math topics in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are:

• Linear Algebra

• Calculus

• Probability

• Optimization

• Heuristics

• Iterative Methods

These topics are best learned in context.  Machine learning success doesn’t happen by memorizing a knowledge-base of fundamentals devoid of real-world context. Since you mentioned research, you can use the latter approach.

You can start by writing the code that solves a problem, and use these mathematical concepts when and where they can help you in your algorithm. This practice will definitely help you in learning how these concepts help in real situations.