Final answer:
An algorithm provides step-by-step instructions while a heuristic is a general problem-solving framework or mental shortcut.
Step-by-step explanation:
An algorithm is a problem-solving formula that provides step-by-step instructions to achieve a desired outcome. It is like a recipe with specific instructions that yield the same result every time. On the other hand, a heuristic is a general problem-solving framework or mental shortcut that is used to solve problems. It is a rule of thumb that saves time and energy, but may not always lead to the best solution.