CNN and NLP: Algorithms and Underlying Math

Question: Explain Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and NLP algorithms along with the mathematics underpinning them. Key points: CNNs use convolution kernels/filters sliding over input to extract spatial features, followed by pooling for dimensionality reduction and non-linear activations; backpropagation of gradients through convolution and pooling layers trains the filters. For NLP, candidates were expected to explain core algorithms (e.g. embeddings, sequence models) and the mathematical basis (e.g. loss functions, gradient descent) rather than just high-level concepts. Interviewers at this stage probed deep into the math behind each algorithm, not just conceptual understanding.