Qubits and common calculations

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    Calculations Qubits
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the applicability of qubits in performing common calculations, such as basic arithmetic operations, and why they are not typically highlighted for these tasks. Participants explore the efficiency of qubits compared to classical computers in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why qubits are not mentioned for basic calculations like multiplication, suggesting a potential oversight or economic consideration.
  • One participant asserts that there is no advantage to using qubits for basic arithmetic operations, as classical computers perform these tasks efficiently.
  • Another participant clarifies that while qubits can perform basic arithmetic operations, it was not explicitly stated in the discussion.
  • A later reply confirms that anything computable by a classical computer is also computable by a quantum computer, noting the ability to combine quantum gates into classical logic gates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the efficiency and appropriateness of using qubits for basic arithmetic operations, with some asserting no advantage exists while others highlight the capability of qubits to perform such tasks.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the economic implications or practical limitations of using qubits for basic calculations, nor does it clarify the specific contexts in which qubits might be considered over classical methods.

exponent137
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Qubits are mentioned for use for factorizing big numbers, for search engines, etc.
But, what about common calculations as multiplications etc?
Why they are not mentioned for this, are not appropriate or they are too less economic for use of this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There's no advantage to using qubits for basic arithmetic operations; classical computers do such operations just as efficiently.
 
LastOneStanding said:
There's no advantage to using qubits for basic arithmetic operations; classical computers do such operations just as efficiently.
This means, qubits CAN do basic arithmetic operations - because this was not mentioned anywhere.
 
Yes, anything you can compute with a classical computer can also be computed with a quantum computer. Certain combinations of quantum gates can be combined into classical AND, OR, etc., gates.
 

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