Arizona State University (ASU) CSE100 Principles of Programming with C++ Midterm 1 Practice Exam

An algorithm is a well-defined set of instructions that provides a solution to a particular problem. For it to be effective, several properties are essential, and one of those is clarity. A good algorithm should not be ambiguous; it needs to be clear and unambiguous in its instructions to ensure that it can be followed or implemented correctly.

The other properties outlined are critical for the definition of an algorithm. Firstly, being independent from the programming language means that an algorithm can be expressed in various programming languages without altering its fundamental logic. This universality allows algorithms to be versatile and widely applicable in different contexts.

Having a finite number of steps is also essential because an algorithm must conclude after a specific number of operations, leading to a definitive answer rather than continuing indefinitely. This finiteness ensures that the algorithm ultimately produces a result.

Lastly, for an algorithm to be practical, it must be terminating, meaning that it should reach a conclusion after executing its instructions. In summary, the correct answer indicates an improper characteristic of an algorithm, while the others reflect important properties that define effective algorithms.