Final answer:
The benefit of using heuristics over algorithms is their speed and convenience, as they are general problem-solving strategies that allow for quicker solutions despite not always being the most accurate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing algorithms and heuristics for solving problems, heuristics offer the benefit of speed and convenience. Unlike algorithms, heuristics are not a precise set of instructions to follow but rather general problem-solving strategies or rules of thumb. These mental shortcuts help us to solve problems more quickly but may not always lead to the most accurate or rational decisions. Heuristics are employed because they save time and reduce the cognitive load, making them particularly useful in complex situations where speed is essential, and the cost of potentially making an error is low.