6.8 Summary
In this chapter we covered the elements of probability necessary for our treatment of quantum computing and its applications. When we work with qubits and circuits in the next two chapters we use discrete sample spaces, though they can get quite large. In these cases, the sizes of the sample spaces will be powers of 2.
Our goal in quantum algorithms is to adjust the probability distribution so that the element in the sample space with the highest probability is the best solution to some problem. Indeed, the manipulation of probability amplitudes leads us to find what we hope is the best answer. My treatment of algorithms in chapter 9
To learn more
There are hundreds of books about probability and combination texts covering probability and statistics. These are for the applied beginner all the way to the theoretician, with several strong and complete treatments. [1]
Probability has applications in many areas of science...
