Everyday Algorithms

Algorithms and Everyday Life

By Justyn Johnson

Open Ended

What is an Algorithm?

What is an Algorithm

Algorithm

Put very simply, algorithms are a set of step-by-step instructions. In computer science, algorithms are a specific set of instructions and operations that a computer program carries out to accomplish various tasks. For example, a user of a computer program could be asked to enter in 3 random numbers. The program could then follow a set of specific steps in order arrange the numbers from smallest to largest.

Example

• Ask the user to enter 3 numbers. 

• Look at the numbers in the order that the user entered them.

  • Is the first number larger than the second number?

• If so, swap the 2 numbers.

• Otherwise, do nothing.

  • Is the second number larger than the third number?

• If so, swap the second and third number

• Otherwise do nothing.

  • Repeat steps 2-4 until correct order is achieved

  • Return new sequence to user

Why are algorithms important?

​ Scientists and engineers have to make use of their time wisely. Well-built algorithms help optimize time by finding and programming the quickest path to get something done. For example, Instagram uses an algorithm that determines which posts to show you at the top of your feed, based on your browsing habits. This way, you spend less time looking for posts that you might be interested in. Algorithms can be used to sort a large set of information based on a set of structural rules, such as step-by-step instructions. For example, usually when you search for something on Google, there are many results, even pages and pages of results. However, more often than not, you never have to venture off that first page of results, because the most important and relevant items are on that first page. This is because of a specific algorithm that Google uses to sort through and figure out which websites are the most important, based on relevance and website rank. We will go into further depth on this specific algorithm later on.

Multiple Choice

Algorithms can only be used to model complex things like Rocket Science or Math Concepts

• True

• False

Everyday Algorithm

First, let’s look at a real-life example of an algorithm for a task that doesn’t require a computer at all: making a grilled cheese sandwich. When you make a grilled cheese, you generally follow specific steps to reach the desired outcome. First, you need bread. Then you need to butter the bread. Cheese is then added. The final step is to cook the grilled cheese!

Only upon completing all of these steps are you able to enjoy the final result, as shown in Figure 5. This is exactly how an algorithm works: it follows steps like these images

Steps Visualized

Creating an Algorithm

Step One: Identify a goal
The most important step is to identify a goal that has a clear path (or even paths for some algorithms) that leads to a definite end (or ends in more complex algorithms)

Creating an Algorithm

Step Two: Break it Down
Break down the task into smaller, but precise, clear, and detailed, Steps

Creating an Algorithm

Step Three: Organize the Steps
Place the steps in their logical order. this becomes an issue with more complex algorithms

Creating an Algorithm

Step 4: See if it works!
Test the algorithm to ensure it works correctly; if not, repeat steps 2-4 until the desired outcome is reached. 

Needed: record to record the steps given to Harold
Remember, computers take instructions literally and precisely.

Get Harold to make a tower out of these blocks. once done, place the box back in the tower so I may follow your algorithm to make sure it works universally!

Activity:
Harold the Robot

Open Ended

what is an algorithm? Why are they important?