Advancing Multidisciplinary STEM Education with Mathematics for Future-Ready Quantum Algorithmic Literacy

Abstract

The perception that mathematics is difficult has always persisted. Nevertheless, mathematics is such an essential component of STEM education. Quantum technologies are already having enormous effects on our society, with advantages seen across a broad variety of industries, including finance, aerospace, and energy. These innovations promise to transform our lives. Managers in the business and public sectors will need to learn quantum computing. Quantum algorithmic literacy may help increase mathematical understanding and enthusiasm. The current paper proposes that one possible approach is to present the information in a reasonably gentle but intelligible way, in order to excite individuals with the mathematics that they already know by extending them to acquiring quantum algorithmic literacy. A gentle introduction to the mathematics required to model quantum computing ideas, including linear transformations and matrix algebra, will be given. Quantum entanglement, linear transformations, quantum cryptography, and quantum teleportation will be used as examples to illustrate the usefulness of basic mathematical concepts in formulating quantum algorithms. These exemplars in quantum algorithmic literacy can help to invigorate people’s interest in mathematics. Additionally, a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) framework is provided that teachers can utilize to determine which students to approach for remediation. This assists the teachers in dispelling any pupils’ uncertainty about mathematical concepts.