Quantum computing is easier than you might think. (Remember it’s just computing—it’s not quantum physics!) Some quick math brush-ups and few concept primers are all you need to start making meaningful mistakes.

Matrices are the mathematical building blocks for quantum bits, quantum gates, and quantum circuits.

Like bits in classical computing, qubits are the value stores of a quantum circuit. These stored values can be altered by applying quantum gates to them.

Quantum logic gates are the means of “getting work done” on a quantum computer. They perform computation by altering the values of quantum bits (“qubits”).

Complex numbers are a key part of orchestrating quantum algorithms—and you can learn what they are in just a few minutes.