Lesson 5 of 20 · Follow Steps

Follow Steps — Part 5

Follow simple directions in order.

What you'll learn

You will learn that an algorithm is a reusable set of steps that solves a problem for any input.

Words to know

Algorithm: A clear set of steps that solve a problem. Same steps work for different inputs.
Input: The data you give to the program (e.g. the number n).
Result: What the program produces after following the steps.

Your turn

📋 Show the steps

Press ▶ Run and see what the computer says!

1An algorithm is a set of clear steps to solve a problem. Here the problem is: double a number. The steps: take n, multiply by 2, show result.
2If n is 4, then result = 4 * 2 = 8. The output would be 'Start: 4' then 'Double: 8'.
3The beauty of an algorithm: change n to 6, and the same steps give 'Double: 12'. Same recipe, different ingredients!
4Algorithms are everywhere: a recipe is an algorithm for cooking, turn-by-turn directions are an algorithm for driving. Code is algorithms for computers!

Auto-run is on: change the code and the result updates by itself.

Auto-run

Output

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Check your understanding · 1 of 4

What is an algorithm?

Check your understanding · 2 of 4

Which is an algorithm for making toast?

Check your understanding · 3 of 4

An algorithm should be:

Check your understanding · 4 of 4

What is 'input' in an algorithm?

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