📚 Learning Guide
Log-sum-exp Function
medium

Log-sum-exp : Smooth approximation :: Max function : ?

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

Maximum value

B

Convex function

C

Differentiable function

D

Discontinuous function

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Log‑sum‑exp is a smooth approximation to the max function. It works by taking the logarithm of the sum of exponentials of the inputs, which gently “rounds off” the sharp corner of the max. Because the exponential grows quickly, the largest input dominates the sum, so the result is close to the true maximum but remains differentiable. For example, for inputs \([1, 3, 5]\), log‑sum‑exp gives \(\log(e^1+e^3+e^5)\approx 5. 0002\), nearly equal to the max value 5.

Detailed Explanation

The log-sum-exp function gives a rounded, smooth version of the largest number in a set. Other options are incorrect because People sometimes think the analogy is about shape, but the key point is approximation, not convexity; Smoothness does not mean the function is the same as the max function.

Key Concepts

Log-sum-exp Function
Max Function
Optimization Techniques
Topic

Log-sum-exp Function

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Practice Similar Questions

Test your understanding with related questions

1
Question 1

What is the relationship between the log-sum-exp function and the softmax function in the context of probability distributions?

easyComputer-science
Practice
2
Question 2

What does the log-sum-exp function represent, and how do its properties relate to the laws of logarithms?

mediumComputer-science
Practice
3
Question 3

In the context of optimization problems, how does the log-sum-exp function enhance computational efficiency while approximating the maximum of a set of values?

hardComputer-science
Practice
4
Question 4

Arrange the steps for applying the log-sum-exp function in a multi-class classification problem.

easyComputer-science
Practice
5
Question 5

Which of the following statements about the log-sum-exp function are true? Select all that apply.

easyComputer-science
Practice
6
Question 6

In the context of optimization and machine learning, the log-sum-exp function is primarily used to approximate the _______ function, which helps to provide a smooth representation of the maximum value among a set of numbers.

mediumComputer-science
Practice
7
Question 7

Which of the following scenarios would best utilize the log-sum-exp function for optimization in machine learning algorithms?

hardComputer-science
Practice
8
Question 8

When applying the log-sum-exp function in optimization, what is the primary reason it is preferred over using the max function directly?

easyComputer-science
Practice
9
Question 9

In what scenario would using the log-sum-exp function be more advantageous than directly applying the max function?

mediumComputer-science
Practice

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.