Stem in Current Events Information Technology

52

S T E M I N C U R R E N T E V E N T S

The ability of smartphones and networks to gather and display the data from stock market transactions has changed the way our economy functions.

Algorithms Algorithms have been used for decades to help humans process and interpret data. “Algorithm” is a fancy word, but it simply refers to the steps taken or rules followed to solve a problem, typically by a computer. Even basic algorithms, such as the steps of a recipe, typically have a mathematical component, such as “add 2/3 cup water and 1/3 cup oil.” More complex computer algorithms are built on advanced mathematics. For example, Google uses one of the world’s most powerful algorithms to run PageRank, which determines how to rank web links when you conduct a search. Amazon uses algorithms to suggest items you