AI Navigate

A Gaussian Comparison Theorem for Training Dynamics in Machine Learning

arXiv cs.LG / 3/11/2026

Ideas & Deep AnalysisModels & Research

Key Points

  • The paper studies training algorithms for data modeled by Gaussian mixture models and presents a non-asymptotic result linking model evolution to a surrogate dynamical system.
  • The core theoretical tool used is the Gordon comparison theorem, enabling rigorous validation of dynamic mean-field (DMF) expressions in asymptotic regimes.
  • An iterative refinement scheme is proposed to improve accuracy in non-asymptotic scenarios, enhancing practical applicability of the results.
  • The theory is specialized to training a perceptron model with generic first-order full-batch algorithms, revealing additional fluctuation parameters beyond standard DMF kernels in finite-size regimes.

Computer Science > Machine Learning

arXiv:2603.09310 (cs)
[Submitted on 10 Mar 2026]

Title:A Gaussian Comparison Theorem for Training Dynamics in Machine Learning

View a PDF of the paper titled A Gaussian Comparison Theorem for Training Dynamics in Machine Learning, by Ashkan Panahi
View PDF HTML (experimental)
Abstract:We study training algorithms with data following a Gaussian mixture model. For a specific family of such algorithms, we present a non-asymptotic result, connecting the evolution of the model to a surrogate dynamical system, which can be easier to analyze. The proof of our result is based on the celebrated Gordon comparison theorem. Using our theorem, we rigorously prove the validity of the dynamic mean-field (DMF) expressions in the asymptotic scenarios. Moreover, we suggest an iterative refinement scheme to obtain more accurate expressions in non-asymptotic scenarios. We specialize our theory to the analysis of training a perceptron model with a generic first-order (full-batch) algorithm and demonstrate that fluctuation parameters in a non-asymptotic domain emerge in addition to the DMF kernels.
Subjects: Machine Learning (cs.LG); Probability (math.PR); Machine Learning (stat.ML)
Cite as: arXiv:2603.09310 [cs.LG]
  (or arXiv:2603.09310v1 [cs.LG] for this version)
  https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2603.09310
Focus to learn more
arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

Submission history

From: Ashkan Panahi [view email]
[v1] Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:42:36 UTC (2,045 KB)
Full-text links:

Access Paper:

Current browse context:
cs.LG
< prev   |   next >
Change to browse by:

References & Citations

export BibTeX citation Loading...

BibTeX formatted citation

×
Data provided by:

Bookmark

BibSonomy logo Reddit logo
Bibliographic Tools

Bibliographic and Citation Tools

Bibliographic Explorer Toggle
Bibliographic Explorer (What is the Explorer?)
Connected Papers Toggle
Connected Papers (What is Connected Papers?)
Litmaps Toggle
Litmaps (What is Litmaps?)
scite.ai Toggle
scite Smart Citations (What are Smart Citations?)
Code, Data, Media

Code, Data and Media Associated with this Article

alphaXiv Toggle
alphaXiv (What is alphaXiv?)
Links to Code Toggle
CatalyzeX Code Finder for Papers (What is CatalyzeX?)
DagsHub Toggle
DagsHub (What is DagsHub?)
GotitPub Toggle
Gotit.pub (What is GotitPub?)
Huggingface Toggle
Hugging Face (What is Huggingface?)
Links to Code Toggle
Papers with Code (What is Papers with Code?)
ScienceCast Toggle
ScienceCast (What is ScienceCast?)
Demos

Demos

Replicate Toggle
Replicate (What is Replicate?)
Spaces Toggle
Hugging Face Spaces (What is Spaces?)
Spaces Toggle
TXYZ.AI (What is TXYZ.AI?)
Related Papers

Recommenders and Search Tools

Link to Influence Flower
Influence Flower (What are Influence Flowers?)
Core recommender toggle
CORE Recommender (What is CORE?)
IArxiv recommender toggle
IArxiv Recommender (What is IArxiv?)
About arXivLabs

arXivLabs: experimental projects with community collaborators

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.