A Depth Hierarchy for Computing the Maximum in ReLU Networks via Extremal Graph Theory
We consider the problem of exact computation of the maximum function over $d$ real inputs using ReLU neural networks. We prove a depth hierarchy, wherein width $Ω\big(d^{1+\frac{1}{2^{k-2}-1}}\big)$ is necessary to represent the maximum for any depth $3\le k\le \log_2(\log_2(d))$. This is the first unconditional super-linear lower bound for this fundamental operator at depths $k\ge3$, and it holds even if the depth scales with $d$. Our proof technique is based on a combinatorial argument and associates the non-differentiable ridges of the maximum with cliques in a graph induced by the first hidden layer of the computing network, utilizing Turán's theorem from extremal graph theory to show that a sufficiently narrow network cannot capture the non-linearities of the maximum. This suggests that despite its simple nature, the maximum function possesses an inherent complexity that stems from the geometric structure of its non-differentiable hyperplanes, and provides a novel approach for proving lower bounds for deep neural networks.
Code (0)
등록된 구현이 없습니다.
Similar Papers 제목 키워드 기반
On the Depth of Monotone ReLU Neural Networks and ICNNs
We study two models of ReLU neural networks: monotone networks (ReLU$^+$) and input convex neural networks (ICNN). Our focus is on expressivity, mostly in terms of depth, and we prove the following lower bounds. For the …
The Median is Easier than it Looks: Approximation with a Constant-Depth, Linear-Width ReLU Network
We study the approximation of the median of $d$ inputs using ReLU neural networks. We present depth-width tradeoffs under several settings, culminating in a constant-depth, linear-width construction that achieves exponen…
Systemic Risk Management via Maximum Independent Set in Extremal Dependence Networks
The failure of key financial institutions may accelerate risk contagion due to their interconnections within the system. In this paper, we propose a robust portfolio strategy to mitigate systemic risks during extreme eve…
ManagementLabeled compression schemes for extremal classes
It is a long-standing open problem whether there always exists a compression scheme whose size is of the order of the Vapnik-Chervonienkis (VC) dimension $d$. Recently compression schemes of size exponential in $d$ have …
Better Neural Network Expressivity: Subdividing the Simplex
This work studies the expressivity of ReLU neural networks with a focus on their depth. A sequence of previous works showed that $\lceil \log_2(n+1) \rceil$ hidden layers are sufficient to compute all continuous piecewis…