Discuss algorithms and heuristics as problem-solving strategies.

In some cases, a problem can be solved by applying a step-by-step set of rules. For example, to calculate the average of a group of numbers, you add the numbers together and then divide by the number of numbers. This is called an algorithm. Not all problems have algorithms, but when available they guarantee a correct solution. A heuristic is a mental shortcut, or rule of thumb, to solve a problem. Heuristics do not always guarantee a solution, but they can be fairly quick to use. In the backward- working heuristic, you start with a possible solution and work backward. In the
means-end heuristic, the current situation is compared with the goal, and procedures are developed to reduce the distance. Another heuristic is creating subgoals, in which a problem is broken down into smaller, more manageable problems. Heuristics, however, can also get in the way of making decisions, as in the case of the availability and representativeness heuristics.