Join us for a new#EducationNow blog from Ronaldo Mota, a member of the Brazilian Academy of Education. Be sure to check out his previous blogs on the Digital Vortex surrounding Education Then and Education Today.

Co-Authored with Heather Keleher

What is an algorithm? 

In its simplest form, an algorithm is defined as a finite series of steps necessary to perform a task. It is a sequence of rules, logical procedures and reasoning applied, based on a set of data, to solve problems.

The modern concept of the algorithm was formulated in 1936 by Alan Turing, laying the foundation for computer science. However, the origin of the nomenclature is much older. Some attribute it to the surname of a 9th century Persian mathematician. Others derive it from a root word in Arabic: an origin also shared by the word algebra.

How does an algorithm work?

Let