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What are algorithms?

A boy thinking about algorithms

An is a sequence of instructions or a set of rules that are followed to complete a task or solve a problem.

Algorithms are useful in lots of different situations.

They can help us learn how to do something we haven't done before, like play a new game, solve a puzzle or make a model boat from a piece of paper.

The algorithm might include text, pictures, symbols and numbers.

A boy thinking about algorithms
Paper boat instructions

Have you ever followed an algorithm to learn something new?

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Clear instructions

When you create an algorithm, you need to include precise, step-by-step instructions. This means you will need to break down the task or problem into smaller steps.

We call this process decomposition. It is an important part of working out the steps in an algorithm.

The instructions need to be clear and in the right order, or sequence.

We want to learn to say "Hello, good morning!" in British sign language.

The instructor has broken down the process into an algorithm with three steps. Each step follows on from the one before it in the sequence:

  1. Wave your hand near the side of your head.
  2. Make a short forward movement using a closed hand with the thumb up.
  3. With your right hand bent towards you, use your fingertips to tap the far side of your chest, then near side of your chest.

Although the steps are in the right order, it is sometimes quite hard to understand what each action would look like.

We can add images to help make the instructions in the algorithm clearer and easier to follow.

Hello in BSL
Image caption,
Hello
Good in BSL
Image caption,
Good
Morning in BSL
Image caption,
Morning

Would this algorithm help YOU to learn how to sign "Hello, good morning?"

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Solving a problem

To help us solve a problem, we can break it down, or it into steps. We can put the steps into a sequence called an algorithm.

When we play a computer game there are often tricky problems we must solve as we work our way through the game.

In this game we must help the Bitesize Bot find the way home through the shape maze. On the way, she needs to collect two battery power ups.

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Speaking a computer's language

Even though you have worked hard to make your algorithm clear and accurate, computerswon鈥檛 be able to understand it as they use a different language.

The algorithm needs to be translated into , which is a language that the computer does understand. An algorithm that has been translated into code is called a computer .

Sometimes code is called a programming language.

Code written using words
Image caption,
Code written using words
Code written using symbols
Image caption,
Code written using symbols
Code using words and numbers
Image caption,
Code using words and numbers
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Activity: Algorithms quiz

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Computing - Dance Mat Typing. game

Build and test your computing skills with different levels of touch type challenges

Computing - Dance Mat Typing
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