Mathematics: The Core Engine Behind AI Systems

Mathematics is at the base of all Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Throughout the AI lifecycle, mathematics is the pillar for representing data at the start, learning, reasoning on behalf of the human user and adapting in the mid-section, and finally optimizing any algorithm or data driven model at the end. This paper will discuss how the main mathematics will start to emerge as critical constructs for AI - linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, and optimization. We will demonstrate the pertinence of mathematical models as a pathway for the development of neural networks, machine learning algorithms, and data driven decision systems. In demonstrating examples of how mathematics has evolved as part of the responsive development of Artificial Intelligence, we can clearly delineate the ongoing, sometimes inescapable, role mathematics will have in defining intelligent systems in the future.