Part 2/7:
Quantum computing is fundamentally different from classical computing. Classical computers rely on bits, represented as 0s and 1s. In contrast, quantum computers utilize quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in superpositions of states. This allows for more complex calculations and the ability to perform multiple calculations simultaneously.
Mathematical Essentials
The course begins with a grounding in the essential mathematics needed to understand quantum computing, including:
- Complex Numbers: Fundamental to quantum mechanics, these numbers are represented as ( a + ib ), where ( i ) is the imaginary unit. Operations with complex numbers such as addition, multiplication, and finding magnitudes are essential in quantum representations.