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Implement integer division without using division

Last updated: Mar 29, 2026

Quick Overview

This question evaluates proficiency in implementing low-level integer arithmetic and algorithmic optimization, including correct handling of overflow and edge cases within 32-bit signed integer constraints.

  • medium
  • Amazon
  • Coding & Algorithms
  • Machine Learning Engineer

Implement integer division without using division

Company: Amazon

Role: Machine Learning Engineer

Category: Coding & Algorithms

Difficulty: medium

Interview Round: Onsite

You are given two 32-bit signed integers `dividend` and `divisor`. Implement a function that divides `dividend` by `divisor` and returns the **integer quotient**, **without** using the multiplication `*`, division `/`, or modulo `%` operators. The result should be truncated toward zero (i.e., rounded toward 0, not toward −∞ or +∞). Assume: - `divisor` is not zero. - The range of 32-bit signed integers is from −2³¹ to 2³¹ − 1. You must: - Handle potential overflow correctly. If the result overflows the 32-bit signed integer range, return `2^31 - 1` (the maximum 32-bit signed integer). - Aim for a time complexity **better than O(|dividend|)** (i.e., you should not subtract `divisor` from `dividend` one unit at a time). **Function signature example (language-agnostic):** ```text int divide(int dividend, int divisor); ``` Explain the algorithm you would use and then implement the function in the programming language of your choice.

Quick Answer: This question evaluates proficiency in implementing low-level integer arithmetic and algorithmic optimization, including correct handling of overflow and edge cases within 32-bit signed integer constraints.

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Amazon
Dec 8, 2025, 6:36 PM
Machine Learning Engineer
Onsite
Coding & Algorithms
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0

You are given two 32-bit signed integers dividend and divisor.

Implement a function that divides dividend by divisor and returns the integer quotient, without using the multiplication *, division /, or modulo % operators.

The result should be truncated toward zero (i.e., rounded toward 0, not toward −∞ or +∞).

Assume:

  • divisor is not zero.
  • The range of 32-bit signed integers is from −2³¹ to 2³¹ − 1.

You must:

  • Handle potential overflow correctly. If the result overflows the 32-bit signed integer range, return 2^31 - 1 (the maximum 32-bit signed integer).
  • Aim for a time complexity better than O(|dividend|) (i.e., you should not subtract divisor from dividend one unit at a time).

Function signature example (language-agnostic):

int divide(int dividend, int divisor);

Explain the algorithm you would use and then implement the function in the programming language of your choice.

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