Cracking Amazon's Software Engineer Interview: Mastering Greedy Algorithms for Optimal Samples and Maximum Median

amazon | Software Engineer | Interview Experience

Interview Date: Not specified
Result: Not specified
Difficulty: Not specified

Interview Process

The interview consisted of two main questions. The first question focused on determining optimal samples, which was identified as a greedy problem. The second question involved finding the maximum median. Initially, a binary search approach was attempted, but upon re-evaluating the problem, it was recognized as a combination of greedy and mathematical conclusions rather than a binary search or prefix sum problem.

Technical Questions

  1. Determine Optimal Samples (Greedy Algorithm)
  2. Get Maximum Median (Math, Greedy Algorithm)

Tips & Insights

  • When faced with operations that involve increments and decrements with a target of median, consider concentrating all operations at a critical position and explore the existence of resource transfer or cost.
  • Avoid relying on LeetCode templates instinctively; instead, focus on understanding the problem deeply.