Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics: A Look Into the Past

Esma Şen
4 min readFeb 4, 2024

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Artificial intelligence (AI) and mathematics are two powerful concepts that shape our modern world and are deeply intertwined. In this article, I aim to share the exciting experiences at the intersection of these two disciplines to further enhance your interest in these fields.

Dance Between Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence:

Each mathematical idea presents a connected, deep, and rich world, much like a network. When Artificial Intelligence integrates into this mathematical world, the “proximity” feeling that every mathematician experiences becomes more pronounced. This dance between the two disciplines occasionally manifests itself concretely and sometimes leads to profound thoughts through similarity or analogy.

Programs like “MACSYMA,” developed at MIT, assist mathematicians dealing with complex mathematical expressions. These programs attempt to simplify expressions by employing a mechanism akin to the “complexity gradient” in a mathematician’s mind. This example vividly illustrates how artificial intelligence accompanies this dance in mathematics.

WHAT IS THIS MACSYMA?

When MACSYMA or similar symbolic mathematics programs join forces with artificial intelligence, numerous application areas may emerge, including the automatic analysis and manipulation of mathematical expressions, optimization of mathematical models, solving mathematical problems through natural language processing, learning semantic analysis, aiding in scientific research, and contributing to mathematics education. This combination can offer new possibilities for solving mathematical problems, optimizing models, and performing tasks related to mathematics more effectively.

Here are some potential application areas arising from the combination of these two fields:

1.Automation of Symbolic Mathematical Calculations: Artificial intelligence algorithms can automatically analyze symbolic mathematical expressions and perform various manipulations on these expressions. Specifically, they can automate symbolic mathematical operations such as differentiation, integration, and equation solving.

2.Mathematical Model Optimization: Artificial intelligence can be effective in developing and optimizing mathematical models. Using symbolic expressions obtained through programs like MACSYMA, AI algorithms can apply various optimization techniques to enhance the performance of mathematical models.

3.Solving Mathematical Problems with Natural Language Processing: Artificial intelligence can assist users in understanding and solving mathematical problems using natural language processing capabilities. This involves expressing mathematical expressions to be solved using symbolic math programs in natural language.

4.Learning Semantic Analysis: Artificial intelligence can utilize learning algorithms to understand symbolic mathematical expressions. This allows algorithms to progressively comprehend and solve more complex mathematical structures over time.

5.Assisting in Scientific Research: Artificial intelligence can aid in scientific research and engineering projects by automating symbolic mathematical analyses. For instance, it can expedite operations like complex differentiation or integral calculations.

6.Mathematics Education and Supportive Tools: Artificial intelligence can develop interactive tools to assist students in learning mathematical concepts. Symbolic math programs can form the foundation for such tools, and artificial intelligence can provide personalized solutions tailored to students’ needs.

Transformation in Knowledge Representation:

Another intersection point between AI and mathematics emerges in knowledge representation. Initially, there was the idea of separating knowledge into sentence-like “packages,” which contradicted the fundamental principles of computer design. However, these challenges taught us the following: Knowledge should be balanced between program and data. Many AI projects have focused on the notion that knowledge stacks are stored via strings. Achieving a perfect balance between knowledge and program is the key to making real progress.

Inspiration and the Future:

This interaction between AI and mathematics serves as a reminder that knowledge and thoughts are limitless. The fusion of these two fields not only transforms our information world but also provides deeper understanding and creativity. The greatest inspiration drawn from these experiences is witnessing how mathematics and AI contribute value to each other.

As a result:

This interaction between artificial intelligence and mathematics invites each of us to push our own boundaries and explore the surprises offered by these two powerful fields. In this boundless world, we have the chance to leave our mark. Keep exploring, because the world of mathematics and artificial intelligence is filled with many surprises awaiting you. In the midst of this comprehensive dance, the journey towards knowledge is just the beginning…

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Esma Şen

software /entrepreneurship/ deep learning/psychology