Artificial Intelligence Programming Practice Exam 2026 - Free AI Programming Practice Questions and Study Guide

The definition of an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for calculations. It encompasses a clear and structured set of instructions or rules designed to perform a specific task or solve a particular problem. Algorithms can be found in various fields like mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence, and they guide the process of transforming input into output through defined operations or computations.

In the context of programming and AI, algorithms are essential as they dictate how data is processed, analyzed, and utilized to produce meaningful results or actions. They can range from simple arithmetic processes to complex decision-making systems in machine learning.

The other choices do not adequately capture the definition of an algorithm. While statistical tools and hypothesis testing methods might involve algorithms, they are not synonymous with the concept itself. A collection of data points represents raw information rather than a procedural framework for manipulation or analysis.