Final answer:
Heuristics are mental shortcuts that help us solve problems or make decisions more easily by simplifying complex tasks. While heuristics save time and effort, they are not always accurate or optimal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heuristics are mental shortcuts that allow us to solve problems or make decisions more easily. They are rules of thumb that help us navigate complex tasks or situations by relying on simplified strategies rather than deep analysis. These heuristics can be helpful as they save time and mental effort, but they are not always accurate or optimal. By using heuristics, we can ignore irrelevant details, focus on key information, and simplify calculations.