The hottest Problem Solving Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

Problem 69: Generate Random Numbers According to Probability [TripleByte]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Problem Solving
  1. The problem discussed involves generating random numbers based on given probabilities. For instance, if given numbers are [1, 2, 3, 4] and corresponding probabilities are [0.1, 0.5, 0.2, 0.2], the function should return 1 10% of the time, 2 50% of the time, and 3 and 4 20% of the time.
  2. The post includes information on job opportunities like a remote Machine Learning Engineer position and features a free weekly summary of AI and Machine Learning updates. There's also a call for sponsors for the newsletter.
  3. The textual content suggests subscribing to a resourceful newsletter for problem-solving tips and techniques in areas like Logic, Problem Solving, and Math. It also shares links to platforms where the author's content is available, such as YouTube and LinkedIn.

The 10 Most Important Lessons 20 Years of Mathematics Taught Me

The Palindrome • 7 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. Mastery takes time and effort. There are no shortcuts, so you need to be willing to put in the work to really understand something.
  2. Breaking rules can lead to new discoveries, but you need to know the rules well first. It's like finding a tiny crack in a tough problem to solve it.
  3. Learning is often best done by solving problems yourself. Getting hands-on experience helps deepen your understanding and skills.

Problem 34: Find Safe States[Microsoft]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. The problem discussed involves finding safe nodes in a directed graph where every path from the node leads to a terminal node. It's important to identify safe and terminal nodes in the graph.
  2. The solution to the problem should return an array of safe nodes sorted in ascending order. It's crucial to sort the output for easy analysis and comparison.
  3. By focusing on graph exploration techniques like reachability and cycle detection using DFS can help in solving similar problems efficiently. These techniques are essential for navigating through complex graphs.

Recursion- A mathematical perspective [Math Monday]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 12 Apr 22
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. Mathematical Induction is a technique for proving statements by starting with a base case and progressing through inductive steps. It forms the foundation for recursion.
  2. Both Mathematical Induction and recursion rely on base cases, operate on discrete domains, and reduce problems to already proven statements. They are like mirror images of each other in problem-solving.
  3. Understanding Mathematical Induction can greatly improve recursion skills as they share similar problem-solving approaches. Practicing PMI questions can enhance recursion proficiency.
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[Solution]Problem 32: Maximize Average Pass Ratio[Goldman Sachs]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 08 Apr 22
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. The problem revolves around maximizing the average pass ratio in multiple classes by strategically assigning extra students
  2. The key is to calculate the gain from adding a single extra student to each class and then determine which class benefits the most
  3. Breaking down complex problems into specific well-defined subproblems can make them more manageable and easier to solve

[Solution]Problem 26: Remove K digits to create smallest number[Microsoft]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 24 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Problem Solving
  1. Given a non-negative integer as a string, you can create the smallest number by removing k digits strategically.
  2. For strings with digits sorted in descending order, removing the first k elements generates the smallest number.
  3. It's important to analyze patterns and consider removing significant digits in order to solve tricky problems like creating the smallest number by removing k digits.

Why doesn't my boss (or employee) make better decisions? | #4

The Pole • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. Innovators face resistance from standardizers when introducing new ideas, but persistence can lead to successful adoption.
  2. Using leverage to solve problems can be risky, so it's crucial to model reality accurately to mitigate risks.
  3. Information asymmetry between individuals, with different levels of knowledge and confidence, can impede optimal decision-making.

The Pivotal Thing

CTOrly • 19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
💼 Business Problem Solving
  1. Guard against unnecessary, preventable volatility in planning and focus on the quality of the problem rather than constantly changing solutions.
  2. Detangle desired outcomes from specific features in planning to enable pivoting on how to achieve goals while maintaining the constancy of overall objectives.
  3. Leaders should balance adapting to changes when necessary without causing unnecessary chaos by crying wolf with constant changes.

[Solution]Problem 51:Happy Number[IBM]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Problem Solving
  1. A happy number is a number defined by a specific process that ends with the number 1, while an unhappy number will loop endlessly without reaching 1.
  2. When facing a problem, break down the definitions given in the problem as this can provide insights and help formulate mathematical rules for quick problem-solving.
  3. In problem-solving, looking for patterns, mathematical or algorithmic statements can give a competitive advantage and aid in solving or optimizing problems efficiently.

Problem 48:Valid Parentheses[Amazon]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jul 22
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. The post discusses the classic coding interview problem of determining whether a string of parentheses, brackets, and braces is valid.
  2. The examples provided illustrate how to determine if a string of characters follows the rules of valid parentheses.
  3. Resources are shared for further practice, including a link to the problem on Leetcode and a survey request to help feature the publication.

[Solution]Problem 45:Robot Bounded In Circle [Amazon]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Problem Solving
  1. Math and logic are essential in problem-solving as they can help analyze and solve complex scenarios.
  2. Understanding periodicity in functions can be applied to analyze repetitive patterns in problems with infinite instructions.
  3. Analyzing the impact of direction and location in a periodic function can reveal insights on the behavior of a system over time, leading to accurate solutions.

Problem 45:Robot Bounded In Circle [Amazon]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jul 22
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. The problem describes a scenario where a robot moves on an infinite plane following specific instructions and determines if it remains within a circle.
  2. The instructions for the robot include moving one unit forward, turning left or right by 90 degrees, and endlessly repeating those instructions.
  3. By understanding the movement of the robot based on the given instructions, it is possible to determine if the robot stays within a circle on the plane.

Cross-Discipline Approaches

Fish Food for Thought • 9 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Problem Solving
  1. Cross-disciplinary approaches help solve complex problems by combining insights from different fields. This way, we can see things from new angles and come up with better solutions.
  2. Drawing inspiration from areas outside our main expertise can lead to innovative ideas. For example, a surgeon used aviation checklists to improve safety in surgeries.
  3. Diverse teams are more adaptable and can tackle challenges more effectively. Different perspectives lead to more creativity and better outcomes in problem-solving.

An intro to Functions [Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 22
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. Understanding functions in math helps in becoming a better programmer by teaching how to frame problems as inputs and equations.
  2. Mastering math functions translates well to coding, as both domains involve transformations on inputs to get desired outputs.
  3. To get better at functions, focus on topics like Linear Programming and Precalculus, which can sharpen problem-solving and understanding of transformations.

The Most Important Skill You Were Never Taught

The Palindrome • 4 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. Problem-solving is a huge part of jobs in tech and science, making it just as important as technical skills. Learning effective problem-solving can greatly enhance your overall abilities.
  2. If you're stuck, it helps to look for solutions that others have found. Using resources like Stack Overflow can save time and effort.
  3. Thinking about problems in different ways, like using analogies, can provide new insights and lead to easier solutions. Imagining that a solution already exists can also help you move forward creatively.

Five lateral thinking techniques

A Bit Gamey • 27 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. Lateral thinking techniques involve challenging assumptions and embracing creativity.
  2. Perceptual change can open up new possibilities by reframing problems.
  3. Random input and provocation are tools that can stimulate creativity and generate new ideas.

Directions for the UX Profession

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 21 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Problem Solving
  1. AI is viewed as a valuable tool in UX, enhancing designers' capabilities while keeping core principles intact.
  2. UX design practice is evolving towards decentralization, embracing generalist approaches, and integrating with business strategy.
  3. Continuous learning, adaptation, and leveraging personal strengths are crucial for professional growth in the UX field.

[Solution]Problem 31:Maxium Rainwater Trapping[Microsoft]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Problem Solving
  1. Understanding the problem thoroughly is essential in tackling difficult coding challenges. Break down the problem into smaller components and focus on each step.
  2. Identifying patterns and creating systems can help simplify complex problems. Mathematics can be a powerful tool in problem-solving and coding interviews.
  3. Utilizing techniques like the two-pointer approach can be incredibly helpful in optimizing solutions and acing technical interviews.

Problem 18: Pack Words on Board [Google]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 29 Dec 21
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. Given a matrix of letters and a dictionary of words, find the maximum number of words that can be constructed from the matrix based on specific rules.
  2. To pack a word on the board, it must be in the dictionary, created from available letters, and have adjacent letters (vertically and horizontally).
  3. In the example, the function should return 3 for the words 'eat, 'in', and 'rat' as valid words that can be formed without touching each other.

Step One: Help Others

Tribal Knowledge • 19 implied HN points • 29 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Problem Solving
  1. Helping others is fulfilling and valuable, even if it may come at a cost.
  2. Explaining problems to others or to an inanimate object like a rubber duck can help improve problem-solving skills by engaging different parts of the brain.
  3. Helping others can also benefit oneself by providing a fresh perspective and removing personal doubts and reservations.

If you can code, you can write!

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🚌 Education Problem Solving
  1. Writing and coding both involve problem-solving and require creativity.
  2. Clarity and simplicity are essential in both coding and writing for better understanding and maintainability.
  3. Efficiency in expression, readability, structure, and continuous improvement are key aspects that writers and programmers share.

Lessons to a junior software developer

QED • 1 HN point • 26 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Problem Solving
  1. Writing code takes practice: The more you code, the faster you'll make decisions and write code.
  2. Continuous learning is essential: Understand problem domains, master tools, and know how to acquire new information as a junior developer.
  3. Learn deeply and take on challenging projects: Focus on mastering key concepts and push yourself with difficult projects to grow as a developer.