Algorithm

A logical sequence of instructions that explain how to accomplish a task. It must explain exactly how to go from one step to the next and have a finite amount of steps.

Historical Notes

810AD Al-Khwarizmi writes important works on arithmetic, algebra, geography, and astronomy. In particular Hisab al-jabr w'al-muqabala (Calculation by Completion and Balancing), gives us the word "algebra", from "al-jabr". From al-Khwarizmi's name, as a consequence of his arithmetic book, comes the word "algorithm".

See also: Euclidean Algorithm.