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Add Two Forward-Order Lists

Last updated: Apr 12, 2026

Quick Overview

This question evaluates linked list manipulation and numerical addition represented in forward-order digit encoding, testing competency in handling digit-by-digit arithmetic, carry propagation, and edge cases such as differing list lengths and final carry.

  • medium
  • Bloomberg
  • Coding & Algorithms
  • Software Engineer

Add Two Forward-Order Lists

Company: Bloomberg

Role: Software Engineer

Category: Coding & Algorithms

Difficulty: medium

Interview Round: Technical Screen

Implement a function that adds two non-negative integers represented by singly linked lists. - Each node stores a single digit. - The digits are stored in **forward order**, so the head contains the most significant digit. - The input lists do not have leading zeros unless the number itself is zero. - Return the sum as a new linked list in **forward order**. You should define the `ListNode` structure yourself and handle common edge cases such as different list lengths and a final carry. Example: - `7 -> 2 -> 4 -> 3` represents 7243 - `5 -> 6 -> 4` represents 564 - Output: `7 -> 8 -> 0 -> 7` because 7243 + 564 = 7807 Follow-up: Can you solve it **without reversing the input lists**, if extra space is allowed?

Quick Answer: This question evaluates linked list manipulation and numerical addition represented in forward-order digit encoding, testing competency in handling digit-by-digit arithmetic, carry propagation, and edge cases such as differing list lengths and final carry.

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Bloomberg
Jan 15, 2026, 12:00 AM
Software Engineer
Technical Screen
Coding & Algorithms
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Implement a function that adds two non-negative integers represented by singly linked lists.

  • Each node stores a single digit.
  • The digits are stored in forward order , so the head contains the most significant digit.
  • The input lists do not have leading zeros unless the number itself is zero.
  • Return the sum as a new linked list in forward order .

You should define the ListNode structure yourself and handle common edge cases such as different list lengths and a final carry.

Example:

  • 7 -> 2 -> 4 -> 3 represents 7243
  • 5 -> 6 -> 4 represents 564
  • Output: 7 -> 8 -> 0 -> 7 because 7243 + 564 = 7807

Follow-up: Can you solve it without reversing the input lists, if extra space is allowed?

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