Number Theory in Machine Learning
Number Theory in Machine Learning: Number theory studies properties of integers and their relationships, providing foundations for cryptography, algorithms, and computational complexity through prime numbers, modular arithmetic, and algebraic structures. The engineering challenge involves implementing efficient arithmetic for huge numbers, finding large primes quickly, solving discrete logarithms and factoring, designing cryptographic protocols, and optimizing number-theoretic algorithms for practical applications. Number Theory in Machine Learning Explained for Beginners - Number theory is like discovering hidden patterns in counting numbers - finding that every number uniquely factors into primes (like 12 = 2×2×3) is like realizing every color comes from mixing primary colors. These simple patterns about division, remainders, and prime numbers become the locks and keys of internet security, where multiplying two huge primes is easy but finding those primes from their product would take centuries, keeping your credit card safe online. What Makes Primes Fundamental? Prime numbers are building blocks of all integers with unique properties. Fundamental theorem: unique prime factorization. Distribution: approximately n/ln(n) primes below n. Twin primes: pairs differing by 2. Mersenne primes: 2^p - 1 form. Primality testing: Miller-Rabin, AKS algorithms. Applications: RSA cryptography foundation. How Does Modular Arithmetic Work? Modular arithmetic performs calculations with remainders, crucial for cryptography. Congruence: a ≡ b (mod n) same remainder. Modular operations: addition, multiplication, exponentiation. Multiplicative inverse: a × a^(-1) ≡ 1 (mod n). Chinese Remainder Theorem: solving simultaneous congruences. Fast exponentiation: square-and-multiply method. Applications: hash functions, checksums. What Is Euler's Totient Function? Euler's totient φ(n) counts integers coprime to n. Definition: φ(n) = |{k : 1≤k≤n, gcd(k,n)=1}|. Prime formula: φ(p) = p - 1. Multiplicative: φ(mn) = φ(m)φ(n) if coprime. Euler's theorem: a^φ(n) ≡ 1 (mod n). RSA foundation: public key cryptography. Computing: using prime factorization.