Tensor creation (torch.tensor, zeros, ones, rand) in PyTorch - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does torch.tensor() do in PyTorch?

It creates a tensor from a Python list or array with the exact values you provide.

beginner

How do torch.zeros() and torch.ones() differ?

torch.zeros() creates a tensor filled with zeros, while torch.ones() creates a tensor filled with ones.

beginner

What kind of values does torch.rand() generate?

It generates a tensor with random values between 0 and 1, following a uniform distribution.

beginner

Why is tensor creation important in machine learning?

Tensors hold data like images or numbers that models learn from. Creating tensors correctly helps models train and predict well.

beginner

How do you specify the shape of a tensor when using torch.zeros()?

You pass the shape as separate arguments or as a tuple, like torch.zeros(2, 3) or torch.zeros((2, 3)) to create a 2 by 3 tensor filled with zeros.

Which function creates a tensor with all elements set to one?

A torch.tensor()

B torch.zeros()

C torch.rand()

D torch.ones()

torch.ones() creates a tensor filled with ones.

What does torch.rand((3,2)) produce?

A A 3x2 tensor with random values between 0 and 1

B A 3x2 tensor filled with zeros

C A 3x2 tensor filled with ones

D A tensor created from a Python list

torch.rand() creates a tensor with random values between 0 and 1.

How do you create a tensor from a Python list [1, 2, 3]?

A torch.rand([1, 2, 3])

B torch.tensor([1, 2, 3])

C torch.ones([1, 2, 3])

D torch.zeros([1, 2, 3])

torch.tensor() creates a tensor from the exact values in the list.

Which function would you use to create a tensor filled with zeros of shape (4, 5)?

A torch.zeros((4, 5))

B torch.ones((4, 5))

C torch.rand((4, 5))

D torch.tensor((4, 5))

torch.zeros() creates a tensor filled with zeros of the given shape.

What is the range of values generated by torch.rand()?

A Between -1 and 1

B Only zeros

C Between 0 and 1

D Only ones

torch.rand() generates random values uniformly between 0 and 1.

Explain how to create a tensor filled with ones of shape (3, 4) using PyTorch.

Think about the function that fills with ones and how to specify size.

Describe the difference between torch.tensor() and torch.rand().

One uses your data, the other creates random numbers.

Practice

1. Which PyTorch function creates a tensor filled with zeros of a specified shape?

easy

A. torch.zeros()

B. torch.ones()

C. torch.rand()

D. torch.tensor()

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of each function

   torch.zeros() creates a tensor filled with zeros, torch.ones() creates ones, torch.rand() creates random values, and torch.tensor() converts data to tensor.

2. Step 2: Match function to requirement

   Since the question asks for a tensor filled with zeros, torch.zeros() is the correct choice.

3. Final Answer:

   torch.zeros() -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Zeros tensor = torch.zeros() [OK]

Hint: Zeros tensor? Use torch.zeros() [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing torch.ones() with zeros
• Using torch.tensor() without data
• Thinking torch.rand() creates zeros

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to create a 2x3 tensor of ones in PyTorch?

easy

A. torch.ones{2, 3}

B. torch.ones([2 3])

C. torch.ones(2, 3)

D. torch.ones((2 3))

Solution

1. Step 1: Check valid argument types for torch.ones()

   PyTorch accepts shape as separate ints or tuple/list. torch.ones(2, 3) uses separate ints (valid). torch.ones([2 3]) missing comma (syntax error). torch.ones{2, 3} invalid braces. torch.ones((2 3)) missing comma (syntax error).

2. Step 2: Identify syntax errors

   Only torch.ones(2, 3) is valid Python syntax.

3. Final Answer:

   torch.ones(2, 3) -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Separate args syntax = torch.ones(2, 3) [OK]

Hint: Separate dimensions with commas: torch.ones(2, 3) [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using curly braces instead of parentheses
• Confusing list and tuple syntax
• Missing commas between shape dimensions

3. What is the output shape and type of the tensor created by torch.rand(3, 2)?

medium

A. A tensor of shape (3, 2) filled with zeros

B. A tensor of shape (2, 3) with random integer values

C. A tensor of shape (3, 2) filled with ones

D. A tensor of shape (3, 2) with random float values between 0 and 1

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand torch.rand() behavior

   torch.rand(3, 2) creates a tensor with shape (3, 2) filled with random floats between 0 and 1.

2. Step 2: Compare options to expected output

   A tensor of shape (3, 2) with random float values between 0 and 1 matches the shape and value type. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they describe wrong shapes or values.

3. Final Answer:

   A tensor of shape (3, 2) with random float values between 0 and 1 -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   torch.rand() = random floats [OK]

Hint: torch.rand(shape) = random floats in [0,1) [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking torch.rand() creates integers
• Mixing up shape dimensions
• Assuming torch.rand() creates zeros or ones

4. Identify the error in this code snippet:

import torch
t = torch.zeros(2 3)

medium

A. Missing comma between dimensions in torch.zeros()

B. torch.zeros() cannot create 2D tensors

C. torch.zeros() requires a list, not separate arguments

D. torch.zeros() needs dtype argument

Solution

1. Step 1: Check syntax of torch.zeros() arguments

   The code uses torch.zeros(2 3) missing a comma between 2 and 3, which is a syntax error.

2. Step 2: Validate other options

   torch.zeros() can create 2D tensors and accepts multiple int arguments or a tuple/list. dtype is optional.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing comma between dimensions in torch.zeros() -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Comma separates dimensions [OK]

Hint: Separate dimensions with commas: torch.zeros(2, 3) [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting commas between shape dimensions
• Thinking dtype is mandatory
• Believing torch.zeros() can't create 2D tensors

5. You want to create a tensor from a Python list [[1,2], [3,4]] and then create a tensor of the same shape filled with ones. Which code correctly does this?

hard

A. import torch
list_data = [[1,2], [3,4]]
t1 = torch.ones(list_data)
t2 = torch.tensor(t1.shape)

B. import torch
list_data = [[1,2], [3,4]]
t1 = torch.tensor(list_data)
t2 = torch.ones(t1.shape)

C. import torch
list_data = [[1,2], [3,4]]
t1 = torch.tensor(list_data)
t2 = torch.ones(len(t1))

D. import torch
list_data = [[1,2], [3,4]]
t1 = torch.ones(len(list_data))
t2 = torch.tensor(t1.shape)

Solution

1. Step 1: Create tensor from list

   torch.tensor(list_data) correctly converts the nested Python list to a (2,2) tensor.

2. Step 2: Create tensor of ones with same shape

   torch.ones(t1.shape) creates a tensor filled with ones matching the shape of t1 ((2,2)).

3. Step 3: Check other options for correctness

   import torch
   list_data = [[1,2], [3,4]]
   t1 = torch.ones(list_data)
   t2 = torch.tensor(t1.shape)

   misuses torch.ones() with nested list (ValueError),

   import torch
   list_data = [[1,2], [3,4]]
   t1 = torch.tensor(list_data)
   t2 = torch.ones(len(t1))

   uses length=2 instead of shape (creates (2,) not (2,2)),

   import torch
   list_data = [[1,2], [3,4]]
   t1 = torch.ones(len(list_data))
   t2 = torch.tensor(t1.shape)

   creates t1 wrong (ones not data) and t2 not ones tensor.

4. Final Answer:

   Correctly create tensor and ones tensor with matching shape -> Option B

5. Quick Check:

   Use tensor.shape for shape in torch.ones() [OK]

Hint: Use tensor.shape to match shape in torch.ones() [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Passing nested list directly to torch.ones()
• Using len() instead of shape for multi-dim tensors
• Confusing torch.tensor() and torch.ones() usage