arXiv Machine Learning By Xiwen Tao, Chenyi Zhang, Helin Wang, Yexin Zhang, Tongyang Li

Gradient Testing and Estimation by Comparisons

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arXiv:2405. 11454v3 Announce Type: replace Abstract: We study gradient testing and gradient estimation of smooth functions using only a comparison oracle that, given two points, indicates which one has the larger function value.

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arXiv Machine Learning
Jun 26

Finding Stationary Points by Comparisons

arXiv:2606. 27082v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: We study the problem of finding stationary points of non-convex functions when access to the objective is provided only through a comparison oracle that, given two points, outputs which has the larger function value.

By Helin Wang, Chenyi Zhang, Xiwen Tao, Yexin Zhang, Tongyang Li
arXiv Machine Learning
Jul 15

Learning and Testing Convex Functions

arXiv:2511. 11498v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We consider the problems of \emph{learning} and \emph{testing} real-valued convex functions over Gaussian space.

By Renato Ferreira Pinto Jr., Cassandra Marcussen, Elchanan Mossel, Shivam Nadimpalli
arXiv Machine Learning
Sep 2

Dense Weak Hiding: Closing Complexity Gaps in Nonconvex and PL Finite-Sum Optimization under Individual Smoothness

The paper establishes the optimal incremental first‑order oracle (IFO) complexity for nonconvex finite‑sum optimization under individual smoothness, proving a matching lower bound that closes a previously missing √{n} factor. It also refines the analysis of the PAGE algorithm under the global Polyak‑Lojasiewicz condition, providing tighter guarantees for different ranges of the condition number. The authors introduce a novel dense weak hiding construction that yields these lower bounds and demonstrates the limits of existing methods.

By Yuxing Peng, Zhiqing Tang, Weijia Jia