What is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a list of rules to follow in order to complete a task or solve a problem.
The steps in an algorithm need to be in the right order.
Think about an algorithm for getting dressed in the morning.
What if you put on your coat before your jumper? Your jumper would be on top of your coat and that would be silly!
When you write an algorithm, the order of the instructions is very important.
Watch: What is an algorithm?
NARRATION: If we want a computer to understand how to do something we need to give it an algorithm.
MOUSE: Pick up brush!
NARRATION: Algorithm sounds like a big word doesn’t it?
But actually an algorithm is something very simple but important.
MOUSE: Pick up toothbrush!
NARRATION: An algorithm is a list of steps you give to computers to solve a problem or get something done.
Imagine that you need to show someone how you brush your teeth. So they can learn how to do it themselves.You would need to explain all the little steps you do, in the right order, so they can understand how to do it without getting confused.
The instructions would go like this:
- Open the toothpaste
- Put a bit of toothpaste on the toothbrush
- Open your mouth
- Brush your teeth, nicely
- Rinse your mouth with water
- Smile
It’s important to put the right steps in the right order so you can get great results.
What different types of algorithms are there?
There are lots of different types of algorithms. Let's find out how they help us in everyday life.
I want to make a cake
The type of algorithm we need to help us complete this task is called a recipe.
A recipe shows us all the steps we need to follow in the right order to make our cake.
You can find this type of algorithm in a cookbook or on a cooking website.
What would happen if we missed out one of the steps in the recipe?
I can't find the park
The type of algorithm we would use to find our way is called a set of directions.
The directions might be a list of instructions telling us where to go, or a line drawn on a map.
There could be different ways to get to the park and there would be a different algorithm for each one.
What would happen if you followed the steps in the wrong order?
The girl needs to get the cake
The type of algorithm we need to solve this problem is called a computer program.
This computer program is a list of instructions, in the right order, that makes the girl move on the screen.
We use symbols and words that the computer understands to write our program.
A symbol is a simple picture, like an arrow that shows us what to do.
Will this algorithm help the girl get the cake?
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