Algorithm (nonfiction): Difference between revisions

From Gnomon Chronicles
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 3: Line 3:
== In the News ==
== In the News ==


<gallery mode="traditional">
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Numbered cake pops.jpg|link=Numbered cake algorithm|1954: [[Numbered cake algorithm]] used to build new type of [[scrying engine]].
File:Numbered cake pops.jpg|link=Numbered cake algorithm|1954: [[Numbered cake algorithm]] used to build new type of [[scrying engine]].
</gallery>
</gallery>

Revision as of 15:31, 17 December 2016

Flow chart of an algorithm (Euclid's algorithm) for calculating the greatest common divisor (g.c.d.) of two numbers a and b in locations named A and B. The algorithm proceeds by successive subtractions in two loops: IF the test B ≥ A yields "yes" (or true) (more accurately the number b in location B is greater than or equal to the number a in location A) THEN, the algorithm specifies B ← B − A (meaning the number b − a replaces the old b). Similarly, IF A > B, THEN A ← A − B. The process terminates when (the contents of) B is 0, yielding the g.c.d. in A.

In mathematics and Computer science, an algorithm is a self-contained step-by-step set of operations to be performed.

In the News

Fiction cross-reference

Nonfiction cross-reference

External links: