Jim needs a backyard shed to house his motorcycle, and even though he has never built one, he decides to do it himself. He buys a book of professionally drawn detailed shed plans. In this situation, Jim is using a(n)

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Jim is following a specific set of instructions from the shed plans, which can be considered an algorithm. An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing a specific task. Jim is not using a heuristic, which is a general problem-solving strategy that does not guarantee a solution, nor is he using a prototype, which is a preliminary model used to test and refine design concepts. A shortcut strategy implies a less formal or less structured approach to problem-solving, and Jim's use of the shed plans is quite structured and formal.

Jim Needs a Backyard Shed to House His Motorcycle, and Even