Find two numbers that sum to target
Role: Data Scientist
Category: Coding & Algorithms
Difficulty: easy
Interview Round: Technical Screen
Quick Answer: This question evaluates a candidate's competency in array manipulation, index reasoning, and efficient algorithmic techniques for pair-sum problems. It is commonly asked in technical interviews to measure problem-solving ability, understanding of algorithmic complexity, and practical implementation skills within the Coding & Algorithms domain, focusing on practical application rather than purely conceptual theory.
Constraints
- Inputs are Python literals matching the function signature.
- Return a deterministic exact-match value.
Examples
Input: ([2,7,11,15], 9)
Expected Output: [0, 1]
Explanation: 2 + 7 matches the target.
Input: ([3,2,4], 6)
Expected Output: [1, 2]
Explanation: The pair is not necessarily at the beginning.
Input: ([-1,-2,-3,-4,-5], -8)
Expected Output: [2, 4]
Explanation: Negative values are supported.
Hints
- Clarify edge cases before coding.
- Keep outputs deterministic when several valid answers exist.