The hottest Math Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

[Solution]Problem 43: Jump Game (Amazon)

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Math
  1. The problem involves determining if you can reach the end of an array based on specific rules.
  2. Optimizations can be made by identifying key indices from which reaching the end is possible.
  3. A recursive structure emerges where solving sub-problems hinges on reaching specific target indices.

How to Spot Greedy Algorithms[Techinque Tuesdays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Math
  1. Greedy algorithms make decisions based on immediate benefit, without looking ahead to future consequences.
  2. To identify a greedy algorithm, look for problems that can be broken into sub-problems, where the optimal solution of each sub-problem contributes to the overall optimal solution.
  3. Improving at recognizing greedy algorithms requires practice and analysis of problems to refine your intuition.

An intro to Functions [Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 22
🚌 Education Math
  1. Understanding functions in math helps in becoming a better programmer by teaching how to frame problems as inputs and equations.
  2. Mastering math functions translates well to coding, as both domains involve transformations on inputs to get desired outputs.
  3. To get better at functions, focus on topics like Linear Programming and Precalculus, which can sharpen problem-solving and understanding of transformations.

[Solution]Problem 42: Length of the longest subarray where all its elements are distinct (Microsoft)

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Math
  1. When faced with a problem involving combinatorics, taking the time to read and analyze the question can provide crucial insights for a more efficient solving approach
  2. In the context of building max heaps from a list of integers, understanding the structure of heaps as complete binary trees allows for simplification of the problem into calculating combinations and values for left and right subtrees
  3. Calculating the values for the left subtree, such as height and number of nodes, can lead to a shift in the coding task complexity from generating heaps to conducting combinatorics

Problem 42: Length of the longest subarray where all its elements are distinct (Microsoft)

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 22
🚌 Education Math
  1. The post discusses a coding interview question about finding the number of distinct ways to create a max heap from a list of integers.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of practicing unique interview questions to prepare for a variety of challenges.
  3. The author shares personal anecdotes and encourages engaging with the content by sharing preferences for future topics.
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How to get good at Exponents and Logs[Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 31 May 22
🚌 Education Math
  1. Logs and exponents are essential for understanding time/space complexity and optimizing numerical computations. They are fundamental for advanced math and important for fields like Machine Learning.
  2. To get good at logs and exponents, practice on Khan Academy. It offers lectures and problems to help you master the basics efficiently.
  3. For those interested in AI/Data Science, mastering log transformations is crucial. Utilize resources like Brilliant's questions and focus on deep learning concepts involving logs to advance your skills.

[Solution]Problem 39: Find the Celebrity[Pintrest]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 27 May 22
🕹 Technology Math
  1. The problem involves finding a celebrity at a party who everyone knows, but who doesn't know anyone in return. A brute force approach of comparing every pair of people at the party can be used, but it is slow with O(N^2) complexity.
  2. It is essential to analyze why a solution is inefficient to brainstorm and develop an optimal solution efficiently. By utilizing constraints given in the problem, like the knowledge asymmetry between the celebrity and others, the time and space complexity can be significantly reduced to O(N) and O(1) respectively.
  3. In problem-solving, understanding and applying constraints effectively can lead to substantial improvements in both time and space complexity, making solutions more efficient and optimal.

Friendship Paradox[Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 24 May 22
🚌 Education Math
  1. Structuring arguments is crucial for AI, Data Science, and similar fields where tests and simulations are common.
  2. The concepts in the math video are not difficult and can help build probabilistic intuition.
  3. Using fun math at parties can leave a lasting impression - it's a great way to dazzle friends, crushes, or even bosses.

[Solution]Problem 29: Arranging Coins in Staircase[Netflix]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Math
  1. The problem involves arranging coins in a staircase with specific row numbers, and the solution focuses on finding the maximum number of complete rows that can be built.
  2. The solution involves analyzing the input (number of coins) and output (number of complete rows), and working through a simple approach using math to determine the complete rows.
  3. To improve the solution further, simplifications can be made to optimize the algorithm, aiming for a faster runtime complexity close to square root of n.

Problem 29: Arranging Coins in Staircase[Netflix]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 16 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Math
  1. Optimal solutions in coding interviews can impress interviewers and require O(1) time and space complexity.
  2. In a coding problem like this one involving arranging coins in a staircase, understanding the complete rows and incomplete rows is key to solving it.
  3. Preparation for coding interviews, like practicing on Leetcode, can help in tackling similar problems and improving problem-solving skills.

Why Math Mondays

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
🚌 Education Math
  1. Understanding the importance of Math in preparation can help with solving problems better.
  2. Knowledge about subjects, problem interpretation, and connections between topics are crucial in problem-solving.
  3. Math Mondays aim to show how mathematical knowledge can enhance problem-solving skills and help make connections between different concepts.

[Solution]Problem 28: Perfect Shuffling for a Deck of Cards[Facebook/Meta]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Math
  1. Understand the problem clearly before jumping into writing code. Break down the problem into smaller parts to uncover important hints and insights.
  2. Start with a simple, naive algorithm for math/algorithm-heavy questions. This can help build intuition for more complex optimizations.
  3. Analyzing the uniformity of a solution is crucial, especially for problems with permutations like shuffling a deck of cards. Cases like odd and even numbers showcase the importance of ensuring uniform distribution.

[Solution]Problem 22: Positive Pairs meeting conditions[Jane Street]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Math
  1. The problem involves finding pairs of positive integers that satisfy specific conditions involving addition and XOR operations.
  2. Understanding binary representation and logical operators like XOR can lead to more optimal solutions for certain problems.
  3. Mathematical reasoning and logical analysis can help in optimizing solutions and reducing time complexity, especially when dealing with binary operations.

[Solution]Problem 11: Counts nodes in Complete Binary Tree [Amazon]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 21
🕹 Technology Math
  1. Given a complete binary tree, counting the number of nodes can be done faster than O(n) by leveraging the properties of complete binary trees.
  2. For a full binary tree, the number of nodes can be calculated using a simple formula of 2^(depth + 1) - 1, which allows for efficient calculation in O(h) operations.
  3. By recognizing the characteristics of complete binary trees, such as the presence of full sub-trees, one can strategically cut down recursion and analyze only half of the tree at each depth for faster computation.

Polymath Engineer Weekly #63

Polymath Engineer Weekly • 15 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Math
  1. The article discusses different types of requests to Slack and their handling by Edge Services.
  2. Experimenting with new coding approaches may initially seem beneficial but can lead to productivity issues in the long run.
  3. The post explores the concept of following predetermined paths in life versus pursuing entrepreneurship.

The Palindrome is Growing

The Palindrome • 1 implied HN point • 02 Aug 25
🚌 Education Math
  1. The Palindrome is expanding its team, starting with Alberto Gonzalez, who will help improve the publication's overall quality. He aims to make math and machine learning more accessible to everyone.
  2. The founder is looking to add more content creators to the team, focusing on educational content in math and engineering. This is a great chance for aspiring writers to showcase their skills.
  3. The goal is to double the value provided to readers and strengthen the community around The Palindrome, making it a more organized and valuable resource.

Lecture 06

Quantum Formalism • 19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 20
🚌 Education Math
  1. Session 6 of the lecture series is now available on YouTube with a corrected slide on GitHub, focusing on advanced topics in quantum formalism.
  2. New participants are encouraged to have an advanced undergraduate level knowledge or should review previous sessions to follow the live sessions effectively.
  3. Those confident in their understanding can fill out a form to attend the next live session for the lecture series.

Live Critical Mass Interactive Zoom Q&A: January 6th @ 4 PM Pacific Time

Critical Mass • 2 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Math
  1. There will be a live Zoom Q&A session on January 6th at 4 PM Pacific Time for paid subscribers. It's a chance to connect and ask any questions you have.
  2. These events are exclusively for paid subscribers, and your support helps continue important programs like the Origins Podcast.
  3. The goal of the Origins Project is to give people a better understanding of their place in the universe and share ideas that shape our world.

Elementary Schoolers are taking Algebra I

Kids Who Love Math • 3 HN points • 13 Mar 24
🚌 Education Math
  1. Elementary schoolers are taking high school level Algebra I, which is surprising because it's not common and not widely discussed.
  2. The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon explains how we notice things more once we become aware of them, like kids excelling in advanced math.
  3. The Roger Bannister Effect shows how breaking through perceived limits can inspire others to achieve new possibilities, such as young children excelling in higher-level math.

Ritualizing The Study of Math

Kids Who Love Math • 2 HN points • 20 Feb 24
🚌 Education Math
  1. Establishing a routine can help in getting prepared for learning, like dedicating a specific 'Math Time' with all necessary materials ready.
  2. Focusing on the process of getting ready for math is more important than merely sticking to a rigid routine.
  3. Incorporating physical elements or sensory cues can enhance the readiness for learning math, such as having a designated space, an exercise, a specific music, or a scent.

Building the Digital Abacus, an Open-Source Mathematical Modeling App

Human Programming • 3 HN points • 24 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Math
  1. The Digital Abacus tool allows users to visually understand complex math equations by interactively manipulating values on a flowchart and seeing real-time updates in a plot.
  2. The tool uses a graph data structure called RelGraph to store values and constraints, allowing for easy representation of equations and composite operations.
  3. The system solves for dependent values by updating values iteratively in the graph until equilibrium is reached, showing the math solving process in real-time.

Registration Reminder

Quantum Formalism • 0 implied HN points • 07 Apr 22
🚌 Education Math
  1. Registration reminder for a live session on group theory - register at the provided link.
  2. External event featuring a talk on quantum computing on May 21st - register via the provided link.
  3. Access missed live session recordings of the group theory crash course on YouTube.

QF Meme Competition!

Quantum Formalism • 0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🚌 Education Math
  1. The Quantum Formalism community is hosting a meme competition tied to their lectures on Measure Theory & Functional Analysis. Participants can submit memes after each lecture on Discord.
  2. The community will vote for the top 3 memes at the end of the course, with winners receiving prizes, including a cute Hippo-looking Pokémon clone. Lectures and homework assignments are also available for those interested in joining.
  3. Engaging with the Quantum Formalism community on platforms like YouTube, GitHub, Discord, and LinkedIn can provide valuable learning opportunities and connections in the field.

Tiny Language Model

John Mayo-Smith's Substack • 0 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Math
  1. The Tiny Language Model is a small functional language model that runs in your browser and learns based on a six-word customizable vocabulary, providing insights into more complex models like ChatGPT.
  2. The Tiny Language Model's training involves a compact 'corpus' from the vocabulary, showcasing a scaled-down version of the training process compared to models like ChatGPT, enhancing understanding through patterns in text.
  3. Observing the changes in weights (parameters) of the Tiny Language Model visually displays how the model is learning and can help identify areas for improvement in its training and performance.

Course update: Measure Theory & Functional Analysis

Quantum Formalism • 0 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🚌 Education Math
  1. The MTFA course by James Heffers is starting its second and final part, with Lecture 11 available on YouTube.
  2. The course is focused on the final journey towards understanding infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces.
  3. Students are encouraged to also consider taking the Category theory course alongside MTFA.