Is the Official Google Answer to this Controversial Interview Question Correct?

Thread starter DeDunc
Start date Jan 1, 2011
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Google Interview

In summary: The expected number of Boys is 1. The expected number of Girls is 1 + 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + ... = 2. The expected fraction of Boys is 1/(1+2) = 1/3. The expected fraction of Girls is 2/(1+2) = 2/3.

Jan 3, 2011

DeDunc

Thanks Guys. Your contributions have been very helpful.

As Vanadium suggests, it does look like a martingale.

Last edited: Jan 3, 2011

<h2>1. What is the controversial interview question that Google has an official answer for?</h2><p>The controversial interview question is "How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?"</p><h2>2. What is Google's official answer to this controversial interview question?</h2><p>Google's official answer is that they are not interested in the specific number, but rather in the candidate's thought process and problem-solving skills.</p><h2>3. Is Google's official answer to this controversial interview question accurate?</h2><p>There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it is meant to assess the candidate's problem-solving abilities. However, Google's focus on the thought process rather than the specific number is in line with their hiring practices.</p><h2>4. How does Google's official answer to this controversial interview question reflect their company culture?</h2><p>Google values critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, which is reflected in their approach to this interview question. They prioritize a candidate's problem-solving skills rather than their ability to give a specific answer.</p><h2>5. Are there any alternative answers to this controversial interview question that Google might accept?</h2><p>Yes, as long as the candidate can explain their thought process and reasoning, there are multiple possible answers that Google might accept. The key is to demonstrate analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.</p>

1. What is the controversial interview question that Google has an official answer for?

The controversial interview question is "How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?"

2. What is Google's official answer to this controversial interview question?

Google's official answer is that they are not interested in the specific number, but rather in the candidate's thought process and problem-solving skills.

3. Is Google's official answer to this controversial interview question accurate?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it is meant to assess the candidate's problem-solving abilities. However, Google's focus on the thought process rather than the specific number is in line with their hiring practices.

4. How does Google's official answer to this controversial interview question reflect their company culture?

Google values critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, which is reflected in their approach to this interview question. They prioritize a candidate's problem-solving skills rather than their ability to give a specific answer.

5. Are there any alternative answers to this controversial interview question that Google might accept?

Yes, as long as the candidate can explain their thought process and reasoning, there are multiple possible answers that Google might accept. The key is to demonstrate analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.