The document defines algorithms and discusses their importance. It provides three definitions of an algorithm, including a precise sequence of unambiguous and executable steps that terminates in a solution. Algorithms are useful because they allow problems to be solved repeatedly without needing to rediscover the solution each time. The term "algorithm" derives from the title of a 9th century book by Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, and his principle was to break problems into simple subproblems that are solved in order. An example algorithm for decimal to binary conversion is provided. Algorithms must have a precise, unambiguous, and terminating sequence of steps.