What is an algorithm and how do computers use them to solve problems?

An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions that tells a computer how to solve a specific problem or complete a task.\n\n• Definition: Logical sequence of operations to achieve a goal\n• Components: Input, processing steps, output\n• Examples: Sorting lists, finding shortest path, calculating averages\n• Importance: Foundation of all computer programs and automation\n\nExample: Recipe for cooking (algorithm for humans) vs sorting algorithm (arrange numbers from smallest to largest). Google Search uses algorithms to find relevant web pages from billions of options in milliseconds.