Where can I learn to understand computing/mathematical algorithms?

Question

Haven't done any math in quite awhile, and although I pick up on it quickly, I'm having trouble understanding algorithms. I have Knuth's book on Introduction to Algorithms but even the introductory ones are difficult for me to understand. I'm looking for sites and books to help me learn.

Answer 1

I enjoyed studying Knuth with my uncle as high school student.  Check some sites on the web (see below)

I recommend a brief review of How to Solve It by G. Polya.

An algorithm could be though of as a recipe to a concept.  It is a step by step approach for doing a procedure.

Take for example a binary sort.

First obtain your list of values.  

  Test that the list is in proper collating order.

  Store starting and stopping index [assume an array structure]

  

  Read unknown X

  set index to midpoint of array of knowns K[i].

  CASE:

    Case1  X < K[i]  :  set i to half the distance between N and i, loop to top of case;

    Case2  X = K[i]  :  x is found exit

    Case3 X > K[i]  :  set i half way between start and current i.

end Case

If you have a willing listener, try to teach the alogrithm to her/him.  

Knuth is a wonderful set of books and very useful in the future.