What is an algorithm?

An Algorithm is a step-by-step method for solving a problem. Its purpose is to break a larger task down so that each step can be carried out without creativity.

It’s a well-ordered collection of unambiguous and effectively commutable operations that produces a result.

It’s a precisely defined and ordered sequence of instructions that is guaranteed to solve a specific problem.

In simple language, an algo is a procedure or formula for solving a problem. It is a well-defined rule or procedure for carrying out some specified task.

Important characteristics of algorithm

There are 5 important characteristics or properties for a well-defined algorithm. These are:-

  • Input – One or more values externally supplied to algo
  • Output – One  or more values are produced by algo.
  • Definiteness – Each instruction must be clear and unambiguous.
  • Finiteness – Algo must terminate after a finite number of steps.
  • Effectiveness – Each instruction must be efficient and feasible.

Problems:-

1) Write an algorithm that performs the addition of two numbers and displays the result of the operation.

Algorithm:
1. START
2. INPUT A,B
3. C=A+B
4. PRINT C
5. STOP

2) Create an algorithm to compute the corresponding area of the circle and print out the area.

Algorithm:
1. START
2. PI=3.14
3. INPUT R
4. AREA= PI*R*R
5. PRINT AREA
6. STOP