Questions In Interview

Interview Questions: The Rising Tide

The rope ladder of a boat hangs over the side of the boat and just reaches the water. Its rungs are 8 inches apart. If the tide rises 4 feet, how many rungs will be under water?

 

 

Strategy and Approach to Answering a Problem Solving Interview Question

If you get asked a problem solving question in an interview, remember that they are NOT looking for the RIGHT answer. They are evaluating the approach you use to think out and solve the problem. A strong candidate demonstrates the following:

  1. Evaluates and understand the scope of the problem
  2. Communicates assumptions
  3. Demonstrates quantitative analytical skills
  4. Answers the question that has been asked. You’d be surprised how many candidates get lost in the analysis and solve for a different question than what was asked.

 

How to Answer this Problem Solving Interview Question

The key to answering this question, lies on the first step of evaluating and understanding the scope of the problem based on common logic.

The solution is: We all know that a boat floats on water. When the tide rises four feet,  the boat and its rope ladder will  rise equally.  So no rungs will be underwater.

Note: For this problem solving job interview question, there is an actual logical answer, however the interviewer will want to evaluate your thinking process.  In answering the interview question, the lead up to your answer will be just as important as the actual answer itself.

For more problem solving, brain teasers, riddles, puzzles, logic job interview questions, please check our out Problem Solving Interview Section.

 

List of Problem Solving Interview Questions Used by Top Firms (e.g., Microsoft, Google, Goldman Sachs)