Algorithms Analysis Practice Test

The statement is true because an algorithm is fundamentally characterized by its structured approach to problem-solving. It consists of a clear sequence of steps that are precisely defined to achieve a specific goal or result. The key components that validate this statement include:

1. **Well-defined Sequence of Steps**: An algorithm must outline a clear set of instructions that can be followed unambiguously. This ensures that anyone or any system executing the algorithm will consistently produce the same outcome for a given input.

2. **Used to Solve a Problem**: The primary purpose of an algorithm is to address a particular problem or perform a specific task. This problem-solving aspect is what distinguishes algorithms from random sequences of operations.

3. **Finite Time**: Algorithms are designed to terminate after a finite number of steps, thereby guaranteeing a solution or result within a predictable timeframe. This is crucial for their practical application, as algorithms that run indefinitely would not be useful in real-world scenarios.

Thus, the attributes tied to the definition of an algorithm align perfectly with the assertion that it is a well-defined sequence of steps used to solve a problem in finite time.