Which of the following statements about algorithms is false?
1: Algorithms involve a step-by-step problem-solving formula.
2: Navigation systems use route planning algorithms to provide driving
3: Working backwards is an example of an algorithm.
4: Algorithms are a problem-solving strategy.
Answer: 3: Working backwards is an example of an algorithm.
This method is called “reverse engineering.” Canny himself states that it “is only one of heuristics applicable to problem solving, and not an algorithm.” An algorithm denotes a routine, straightforward, syntactically consistent set of instructions to solve a specific problem or help with a certain activity.
The correct statements are:
Algorithms involve a systematic problem-solving formula: Indeed, that is true. Algorithms can be regarded as recipes or programs consisting of a clear chain of instructions, which eventually yields a specific result.
Navigation systems use route-planning algorithms to provide driving directions: In fact, yes. Systems for navigating employ algorithms that process signals and apply some specific rules to find the shortest and safest routes and provide step-by-step directions.
Algorithms are a problem-solving strategy: However, this statement is true. The algorithm is a systematic manner for the problems’ solving by breaking them down to small steps with a predefined structure that can be followed consistently.
Albeit backwards working could be a useful problem-solving technique, it, unlike algorithm, fails to point out those elements that, by their precise nature, define the algorithm – systematic approach.