Quantum Computing Prerequisites

Hello, my name is Rayaan Mudgil and I am here to explain to you what the prerequisites are for learning quantum computing. First is linear algebra. Knowing is not enough. What I mean by that is you aren’t just supposed to know how to solve problems, but you actually need to have solved problems in linear algebra. Examples:

\(x + 1 = 7 \rightarrow x = 6\)

\(x^2 + 2x + 1 = 0 \rightarrow (-2 \pm \sqrt{4 - 4}) \div 2 \rightarrow x =-1\)

The first one is classic prealgebra. The second one is more advanced quadratic equations. You might also need some experience in complex numbers. Complex numbers are when a real number is added to another number which is multiplied by i. Reminder: i = square root of -1. There is also a complex plane where you graph vectors. If you know the Pythagorean Theorem (which you should), then a vector is just the hypotenuse of a triangle formed by two other segments/vectors. Examples:

\(3 + 2i = 2i + 3 \)

The equation above seems obvious. However, it sometimes stumps amateurs in complex numbers. The normal x-axis is known as regular numbers. The normal y-axis is known as imaginary numbers (i = square root of -1). So, you graph the left side of the equation 3 to the right and 2 up. However, if you look at the the right side of the equal sign, you might misunderstand the expression and go 2 to the right and 3 up which is wrong. This is because of the commutative property (Ugh! So long of a word!). The commutative property says that any number of numbers getting added or multiplied together can be flipped. Examples:

\(xyz = xzy = yzx = yxz = zxy = zyx\)

or

\(x + y = y + x\)

Well, now that you know the mathematical prerequisites of quantum computing, let’s talk about the prerequisites of coding. Coding is a big part of quantum computing because you have to send microwaves to the quantum computer. The language that most quantum computers take is Python. Now, let me tell the last prerequisite for quantum computing: passion. If you want to be in quantum computing, the first thing you need to do is have a feeling inside you to pursue quantum computing. I’ve done quantum computing for about a year and a half as of April 20, 2025, and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. Some people don’t enjoy quantum computing but enjoy art (I personally don’t because I am not that type of guy). That’s it for today and I remind you to stay curious!