ML Math Challenge - Competition Overview
Objective
This friendly competition is designed to help you review and connect key math concepts that form the foundation of Machine Learning (Linear Algebra, Calculus, and Probability.)
You’ll work in teams to solve short, intuitive challenges. No coding (maybe only vibe coding) or long calculations; just reasoning, teamwork, and quick thinking.
Teams
- You’ll work in teams. Discuss ideas together before answering.
- One team member will share the final answer for each question or task.
- Each team member must present at least one task
Competition Flow
There are four rounds, each focusing on a different skill area. Each round includes a few short questions or mini tasks. Points are earned for correct answers, reasoning, and teamwork.
Round 1 – True or False Showdown
- This round will include quick statements from all topics.
- Points increase for each correct answer (1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5),
but one wrong answer resets your score to
0 - Speed and accuracy matter.
Review ideas:
- Basic matrix and vector properties
- Derivatives and slopes
- Probability and independence
- General math logic and intuition
Round 2 – Linear Algebra Concepts
Focus on how data can be represented and transformed using matrices and vectors. You'll reason about relationships between features, combinations, and transformations.
Review ideas:
- Matrices, vectors, and dimensions
- Matrix × vector multiplication
- Linear combinations and feature meaning
- Projections and geometric interpretation
Round 3 – Calculus and Optimization
Explore how change, slope, and direction affect learning. You’ll think about how models improve by adjusting parameters.
Review ideas:
- Derivative as rate of change
- Gradient and direction of improvement
- Learning rate intuition
- Local minima and convergence
Round 4 – Probability and Statistics
Work with small data samples to understand patterns and uncertainty. Expect reasoning around averages, variation, and data interpretation.
Review ideas:
- Mean, median, mode
- Variance and standard deviation
- Distributions and outliers
- Interpreting data intuitively
Scoring
- Points for correct answers and strong reasoning.
- Some rounds may include bonus points for clear explanations or teamwork.
- The team with the highest total score wins!
Tips for Success
- Think out loud and explain your reasoning.
- Focus on intuition, not memorization.
- Work together efficiently, share ideas quickly.
- Stay relaxed and enjoy the process, learning through play is the goal!