Optiver Data Scientist Interview Questions
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Minimize moves to transform floor layouts
You are given an initial arrangement of apartments across Floors 1–4 and a target arrangement. In one move you may reposition a single apartment to a ...
Devise sequence-rule detection strategy
You are given an integer sequence with 2 ≤ n ≤ 50 terms, possibly following rules such as arithmetic/geometric progressions, alternating patterns, pol...
Find next terms in sequences
Pattern Recognition: Find the Rule and Next Term You are given 8 number sequences. For each sequence: - Identify a clear rule that generates the terms...
Compute odds under time pressure
Timed Probability: At Least Two Reds in Three Draws You have an urn with r red, b blue, and g green balls. Let N = r + b + g with r, b, g ≥ 0 and N ≥ ...
Solve probability and expectation problems
Probability and Expectation Practice (Take‑home) Assume all coins and dice are fair unless stated otherwise. Show reasoning and final results. 1) Thre...
Optimize switching puzzle solution
Consider a switching puzzle on an m×n grid of lights where toggling a cell flips its state and that of its orthogonal neighbors (Lights Out variant). ...
Solve a Skyscraper puzzle efficiently
Design and implement a solver for the Skyscraper logic puzzle on an N×N grid (3 ≤ N ≤ 7). Each row and column must contain the numbers 1..N without re...
Compare two programs for equivalence
You are given two short programs (or functions) that process an integer array A (|A| ≤ 10^ 5). Determine whether they are functionally equivalent for ...
Match alphanumeric patterns in a stream
Given a reference 7–8 character alphanumeric code and four candidate codes, select the exact match as quickly as possible. Design a system that: - Eff...
Analyze EV, arbitrage, and bet sizing across games
Betting Games: EV, Variance, Arbitrage, and Sizing Context You will be shown payout tables or odds for three independent games. Your task is to quickl...
Optimize interval-scoring strategy
Five-Round Interval-Estimation Game: Optimal Intervals and Risk Allocation You play five independent rounds. In round i, an unknown numeric answer A i...
Answer English HR classics
Behavioral Interview: Data Scientist (Technical Screen) Context: You are interviewing for a Data Scientist role at Optiver during a Technical Screen f...
Compute expected counters after color elimination
Problem You have a bag with 30 counters: 10 red, 10 yellow, and 10 blue. You draw counters uniformly at random without replacement. Stop the moment th...
Compute expected coin flips to meet on octagon
Meeting Time on a Random Walk Around an Octagon Problem Two independent particles start at opposite vertices (four edges apart) of a regular octagon. ...