Final answer:
An algorithm is a set of well-defined instructions for accomplishing a specific software function, similar to a recipe, producing consistent results. Option 1 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes a set of well-defined instructions used to accomplish a particular software function is algorithm. An algorithm is comparable to a recipe; it's a step-by-step protocol for performing an activity that generates the same result every time it's carried out.
Algorithms play a fundamental role in daily life and are heavily utilized within computer science. For instance, search engines like use algorithms to rank search results, ensuring the most relevant pages are displayed first.
Moreover, social media platforms like employ algorithms to determine which posts to show on an individual's newsfeed. Algorithms also extend beyond these examples and are integral in areas such as navigation systems, online shopping recommendations, and even in various smart devices.