Algorithm

Term

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Definition

A finite, ordered set of clear steps that solves a problem or completes a task, with defined inputs and outputs.

Example: An algorithm can be shown as pseudocode or a flowchart.

Found in: syllabus, course specifications, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Y11 Programming Fundamentals.

Question types it can appear in

Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Pseudocode: Use it correctly in the exam pseudocode editor.
Drawing: flowchart
Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Where it has appeared in the paper

The Software Engineering Project (Part A, B). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

“A finite, ordered set of clear steps that solves a problem or completes a task, with defined inputs and outputs.” Then apply it: An algorithm can be shown as pseudocode or a flowchart.

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Command words used with it

General advice

No linked question shows the command word for this term. Across the past pseudocode and drawing and short answer questions in this bank the words used most are: Explain, Outline, Describe, Compare, Classify, Analyse. Check the actual word in your question.

Official worked answer

Sample exam Q14 (3 marks): Algorithm design (subroutines) (3 marks): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

3: Substantially correct pseudocode that includes at least ONE subroutine. 2: Addresses some of the requirements. 1: Some understanding of the problem.

Sample answer

BEGIN main Get num_pizzas total_cost = 0 FOR i = 1 TO num_pizzas Get pizza_size Get num_toppings cost_per_pizza = calculate_pizza_cost(pizza_size, num_toppings) DISPLAY cost_per_pizza total_cost = total_cost + cost_per_pizza NEXT i DISPLAY total_cost END main

BEGIN calculate_pizza_cost(size, num_toppings) base_price = 10 topping_price = 1.5 IF size = "Medium" THEN base_price = base_price + 2 ELSEIF size = "Large" THEN base_price = base_price + 4 ENDIF pizza_cost = base_price + num_toppings * topping_price RETURN pizza_cost END calculate_pizza_cost

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Go deeper

Flashcard: Algorithm in Programming Fundamentals (Year 11) · study that set
Memorise: Software development steps and algorithm design
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Algorithm

Check yourself

Explain “Algorithm” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.

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