AI engineering glossary · Calculus optimisation
What is riemann sum?
Riemann sum: An approximation of an integral made by splitting the interval into thin strips, computing each strip's height times width, and adding them. As the strips get thinner the sum approaches the exact integral. It is the basis of numerical integration.
Riemann sum: an example
To estimate the integral of x^2 on [0, 2] with four strips of width 0.5 and left-hand heights: 0.5 * (0 + 0.25 + 1 + 2.25) = 1.75, against the exact 2.67.
Related terms
More Calculus optimisation terms
- RMSProp
- Saddle point
- Secant line
- Second-order approximation
- Second-order condition
- Sharpness-aware minimisation
- Simulated annealing
- Stationary point
Where you learn it
Riemann sum is part of the AI Engineering Program, which teaches it with notes, a hands-on lab and an exam. The first lesson is free.