Mathematics is a universal language that helps us understand and describe the world through logic and problem-solving. It shapes the technology we use daily, from smartphones and computers to the sensors in our cars.

As computer technology rapidly evolves, artificial intelligence is pushing the boundaries even further—enabling faster access to information and smarter decision-making. But how does this advanced technology operate at such a high capacity?

Theoretical computer scientists turn to mathematics rather than programming to build a deeper understanding of computation—exploring how it works, how it can be optimized, and where its limits lie. Through math, they develop and refine algorithms—the step-by-step instructions computers follow to complete tasks.

In this Science Like Me episode, UC San Diego’s postdoctoral research scientist Yinzhan Xu and Ph.D. student Chris Ye share their work with EnCORE, the Institute for Emerging CORE Methods in Data Science. They discuss how mathematical approaches can uncover new solutions to complex problems and make computations more efficient.

Watch: Using Math to Test the Limits of Computers with Yinzhan Xu and Chris Ye.