New Complexity Theory Emerges for Quantum Era

Computer science is about inputs and outputs. For example, when you multiply two numbers on a calculator, you enter the numbers. Then, the screen shows the answer. Some problems, like breaking a number into prime factors, can be harder. But they also follow the same basic idea. Computers change numbers, usually written in 0s and 1s, into outputs.

Researchers study why some problems are harder for computers to solve. They found that some tasks, like the prime factor problem, are easier for quantum computers. Quantum computers use the rules of quantum physics.

For 30 years, researchers have looked at problems where quantum computers are better. But they want to study more problems that do not use normal inputs and outputs. Henry Yuen is interested in these problems. He wants to find out how to understand quantum inputs and outputs.

Yuen is a professor at Columbia University. He wants to create a new theory for these unique problems. He grew up in a restaurant and learned computer programming to make video games. This led him to study quantum computing in college.

How much do you know?

What is the basic concept of computer science?

Inputs and outputs

Only calculations

Data storage

Artificial Intelligence

Which of the following problems is mentioned as being harder for computers to solve?

Multiplying numbers

Breaking a number into prime factors

Adding numbers

Sorting data

What unique format do computers typically change numbers into?

Decimals

Hexadecimal

0s and 1s

Alphanumeric

Who is interested in understanding quantum inputs and outputs?

Albert Einstein

Henry Yuen

Stephen Hawking

Isaac Newton

What type of computers are found to be better at certain tasks?

Classical computers

Quantum computers

Supercomputers

Personal computers

Where does Henry Yuen work as a professor?

Harvard University

Stanford University

Columbia University

MIT

Quantum computers follow the rules of classical physics.

True False

Henry Yuen has been researching quantum computing for over 30 years.

True False

Researchers are interested in problems that do not use normal inputs and outputs.

True False

Computers primarily use letters to represent numbers.

True False

Yuen has a background in programming video games.

True False

The prime factor problem is easier for classical computers.

True False

Computer science involves the concept of and outputs.

Researchers have studied problems where computers are better.

Henry Yuen is a professor at University.

Computers change numbers into , usually written in 0s and 1s.

Henry Yuen grew up in a .

Yuen wants to create a new for unique problems.

This question is required