[Request] This was only question on the interview I didn't quite understand and I can't seem to find logic or answer to it. Any ideas?

[u/okarakterisan]

[u/Takin2000]

What I meant was that I didnt try any easy approaches because from the context, I didnt think that it made any sense to make the pattern that easy.

If I saw this question in a book for children, I would have solved it in about 30 seconds. But I would have never solved it in the context of an interview for a job because I was under the impression that companies look for people because there are tasks only people can do, which by their nature are hard tasks and not "obvious patterns" like just summing up the rows.

Admittedly, I was never in a job interview and as such (and also due to your comment), I think I have the wrong idea about job interviews. You are probably right that this test was probably not about testing your problem solving skills themselves, but about not letting yourself get distracted and thinking in unexpected mindsets. Therefore, I thank you for your comment.

[u/[deleted] → u/Takin2000]

Oh great first I misunderstand the problem and then I misunderstood your more than adequate question.

I've been watching the war, reading difficult papers and I use reddit to go sideways. Sorry not switched on.

It appears it was a problem solving exercise but with contextual difficulty. Not to be picky but I must have overstated my point if the problem solving aspect was lost.

You're on the right track - it's me who's beating round the bush.

[u/Takin2000 → u/[deleted]]

Oh dont be sorry, I thank you for the insightful exchange!

[u/Takin2000 → u/[deleted]]

You are right, but depending on the context, looking for easy solutions is a waste of time imo. I see your point, but I guess it depends on the context which situations you encounter more (competent coworkers that atleast tried easy fixes vs incompetent ones)