A. A flowchart
B. Step by step instructions used to solve a problem
C. A flowchart or pseudo code
D. A decision

Solution

B. Step by step instructions used to solve a problem

Explanation

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of instructions for solving a problem or accomplishing a specific task. It is a finite sequence of well-defined, unambiguous instructions that a computer can execute to achieve a particular goal. Algorithms can be expressed in various forms, including natural language, pseudocode, flowcharts, or programming languages.

Key characteristics of algorithms include:

• Finite: An algorithm must have a finite number of steps. It should eventually terminate and produce a result within a finite amount of time.
• Well-defined: Each step of the algorithm must be precisely defined and unambiguous. There should be no room for interpretation or ambiguity in understanding what each step entails.
• Input and Output: An algorithm takes zero or more inputs and produces one or more outputs. It specifies what data is needed as input and what results are expected as output.
• Effective: An algorithm should be effective, meaning that it should be practical and feasible to execute using available resources, such as time, memory, and processing power.
• Generalization: An algorithm should be applicable to a wide range of inputs, not just specific cases. It should be designed to handle various scenarios and edge cases.