Which of the following are examples of algorithms? (Select all that apply, if any do.)

a. The mathematical formula for finding the area of a circle.

b. A list of your favorite animals.

c. A problem statement.

d. Instructions for setting up a new DVD player.

e. A series of steps that moves a "lighting bot" around to turns on lights.

A. The mathematical formula for finding the area of a circle.

D. Instructions for setting up a new DVD player

E. A series of steps that moves a "lighting bot" around to turns on lights.

Explanation:

Algorithm is a systematic procedure (or process) that produces the answer to a question or the solution of a problem in a finite number of steps.

Option A is an algorithm. The mathematical formula for finding the area of a circle gives a solution to a problem. The problem is finding area of a circle and the formula gives the step by step procedure finding the area of a circle.

Option B is not an algorithm. Option B just provide a list of your favourite animals and it doesn't answer a question we know about.

Option C is not an algorithm. A problem statement is still a problem with no solution whereas algorithm provides solution

Option D is an algorithm. It provides the step by step procedures for setting up a new DVD player

Option E is an algorithm. It provides a series of steps that moves a lighting bot around to turns on lights, so it provides a solution.

c, d and e.

Explanation:

An algorithm is a step by step procedure

in solving a particular problem. An algorithm is finite - it has a beginning and an end.

With the options provided;

* option a is not an algorithm, though it describes the tool to solving a problem, it does not specify the steps involved in solving the problem.

* option b is also not an algorithm because it only shows a list of favorite animals and that is solving no problem.

* option c is also an algorithm. An algorithm solves a problem by providing steps to solving it. A problem statement describes the problem, and the steps on how to solve the problem.

* option d is an algorithm. Setting up the new DVD player is the problem. Steps for setting it up are shown in the instructions. Therefore, since a problem will be solved by following those instructions, that option is an algorithm.

* option e is also an algorithm. Moving a lighting bot around to turn on the lights is the problem. How this is solved are shown in the series of steps. This makes option e and algorithm.