Are polynomial features the root of all evil? (2024)
(alexshtf.github.io)
It turns out that it’s just a MYTH. There’s nothing inherently wrong with high degree polynomials, and in contrast to what is typically taught, high degree polynomials are easily controlled using standard ML tools, like regularization. The source of the myth stems mainly from two misconceptions about polynomials that we will explore here. In fact, not only they are great non-linear features, certain representations also provide us with powerful control over the shape of the function we wish to learn.
It turns out that it’s just a MYTH. There’s nothing inherently wrong with high degree polynomials, and in contrast to what is typically taught, high degree polynomials are easily controlled using standard ML tools, like regularization. The source of the myth stems mainly from two misconceptions about polynomials that we will explore here. In fact, not only they are great non-linear features, certain representations also provide us with powerful control over the shape of the function we wish to learn.