ALGORITHMS DEFINITION AND ITS REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS

Origin

The word algorithm comes from the name of the 9th century Persian Muslim mathematician Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi, whose work built upon that of the 7th century Indian mathematician Brahmagupta. The word algorism originally referred only to the rules of performing arithmetic using Hindu-Arabic numerals but evolved via European Latin translation of Al-Khwarizmi's name into algorithm by the 18th century. The use of the word evolved to include all definite procedures for solving problems or performing tasks.

What is an algorithm?

In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for calculations. Algorithms are used for calculation, data processing, and automated reasoning.

 wherever we use computers, we rely on algorithms: "There are lots of types, but algorithms, explained simply, follow a series of instructions to solve a problem. It's a bit like how a recipe helps you to bake a cake. Instead of having generic flour or a generic oven temperature, the algorithm will try a range of variations to produce the best cake possible from the options and permutations available."

A simple example:

The use of algorithms in policing is one example of their increasing influence on our lives.

From dating websites and City trading floors, through to online retailing and internet searches (Google's search algorithm ) algorithms are increasingly determining our collective futures. "Bank approvals, store cards, job matches and more all run on similar principles,

 current interest in them is due to the vast amounts of data now being generated and the need to process and understand it. They are now integrated into our lives. On the one hand, they are good because they free up our time and do mundane processes on our behalf. 

Applications:  1.design new drugs.

 2.model the climate.

3. perform high-frequency trading. 

 4.flying a plane on autopilot.

5. An algorithm to analyse and rate hit records on youtube. Using a technique called advanced spectral deconvolution, the algorithm breaks up each hit song into its component parts – melody, tempo, chord progression and so on – and then uses that to determine common characteristics across a range of No 1 records. Example:McCready's algorithm correctly predicted – before they were even released – that the debut albums by both Norah Jones and Maroon 5 contained a disproportionately high number of hit records.