An algorithm is a sequence of steps you perform to complete a task like solving a problem or baking a cake.

A recipe is an example of an algorithm.

Some other examples of algorithms are the steps involved in long division, computer programs and the instructions for building a model.

Let's work through the steps of one algorithm for adding three digit numbers (without borrowing or trading):

The algorithm is as follows:

1. add the units
2. add the tens
3. add the hundreds
4. combine the three digits from steps 1-3 to give the answer.

Let's use it to add \(123\) and \(245\):

1. add \(3\) and \(5\) to give \(8\)
2. add \(20\) and \(40\) to give \(60\)
3. add \(100\) and \(200\) to give \(300\)
4. combining these three numbers together gives the answer of \(368\).