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Michel Bierlaire

Introduction to unconstrained nonlinear optimization, Newton’s algorithms and descent methods.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Formulation: you will learn from simple examples how to formulate, transform and characterize an optimization problem.
  • Objective function: you will review the mathematical properties of the objective function that are important in optimization.
  • Optimality conditions: you will learn sufficient and necessary conditions for an optimal solution.
  • Solving equations, newton: this is a reminder about newton's method to solve nonlinear equations.
  • Newton's local method: you will see how to interpret and adapt newton's method in the context of optimization.
  • Descent methods: you will learn the family of descent methods, and its connection with newton's method.
  • The course is structured into 6 sections:

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Combines theory and practice, leading to a holistic understanding of optimization
Provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of optimization
Employs clear and concise explanations, making the concepts accessible to learners
Covers a range of optimization methods, providing learners with a broad understanding
Requires a strong mathematical background, which may limit accessibility for some learners
May not be suitable for learners seeking a more practical approach to optimization

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Optimization: principles and algorithms - Unconstrained nonlinear optimization with these activities:
Review prerequisite material: calculus, linear algebra
Ensure you are comfortable with these mathematical foundations
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  • Review lecture notes and textbooks
  • Practice solving problems
  • Seek help from a math tutor or online resources if needed
Attend a study group meeting with your classmates
Collaborate with peers to discuss course concepts and solve problems
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  • Form or join a study group with classmates
  • Meet regularly to review lectures, work on assignments, and discuss problems
  • Take turns explaining concepts and leading discussions
Complete practice exercises on Newton's method
Develop fluency in applying Newton's method to solve optimization problems
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  • Find practice problems online or in a textbook
  • Solve the problems using Newton's method
  • Check your answers against provided solutions
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Solve optimization problems in different domains
Gain experience applying optimization techniques to real-world problems
Browse courses on Optimization
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  • Find optimization problems related to fields like finance, engineering, or data science
  • Formulate the problem mathematically
  • Solve the problem using optimization methods learned in the course
Attend a workshop on practical optimization techniques
Gain practical insights and hands-on experience in optimization
Browse courses on Optimization Techniques
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  • Find a workshop on practical optimization techniques
  • Register for the workshop and attend the sessions
  • Actively participate in discussions and exercises
Develop a visual representation of gradient descent
Enhance your understanding and visualize the concept
Browse courses on Gradient Descent
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  • Identify a visualization tool, e.g., Python's Matplotlib or GeoGebra
  • Plot the gradient descent algorithm for a given function and initial point
  • Use color or animation to highlight the path taken by the algorithm

Career center

Learners who complete Optimization: principles and algorithms - Unconstrained nonlinear optimization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical modeling to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating financial models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use machine learning and other statistical methods to analyze data and extract insights. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating machine learning models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers design and build machine learning models. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating machine learning models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating operations research models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment recommendations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating financial models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and uncertainty. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating actuarial models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Statistician
Statisticians use statistical methods to analyze data and draw conclusions. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating statistical models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Economist
Economists use economic theory and data to analyze economic issues. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating economic models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Mathematician
Mathematicians develop and apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve problems in a wide range of fields. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating mathematical models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists design and develop computer systems and applications. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating computer algorithms. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating software algorithms. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use data to identify trends and patterns. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating data analysis algorithms. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts use data and analysis to improve business processes. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in optimization techniques, which are essential for developing and evaluating business analysis models. You will learn how to formulate and solve optimization problems, as well as how to use descent methods and Newton's method to find optimal solutions.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Optimization: principles and algorithms - Unconstrained nonlinear optimization.
Comprehensive treatment of nonlinear optimization, a branch of optimization that deals with problems where the objective function or constraints are nonlinear. It is written by leading experts in the field, and it is known for its clarity and rigor.
Comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of optimization, a branch of mathematics that deals with finding the best possible solution to a given problem. It is written by leading experts in the field, and it is known for its clarity and rigor.
Comprehensive treatment of nonlinear optimization, a branch of optimization that deals with problems where the objective function or constraints are nonlinear. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is known for its clarity and rigor.
Comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of convex optimization, a powerful technique for solving a wide range of optimization problems. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is known for its clarity and rigor.
Classic textbook on nonlinear programming, a branch of optimization that deals with problems where the objective function or constraints are nonlinear. It comprehensive and well-written book that is suitable for both students and practitioners.
Provides an accessible introduction to optimization, with a focus on data analysis. It covers both theoretical concepts and practical algorithms, and it is written in a clear and engaging style.
Concise and well-written introduction to optimization, a branch of mathematics that deals with finding the best possible solution to a given problem. It is suitable for both students and practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of optimization theory and algorithms.
Is an introduction to stochastic optimization, a branch of optimization that deals with problems where the objective function or constraints are random. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is known for its clarity and rigor.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of nonlinear programming.

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