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MathWorks·Software Engineer·Technical Phone Screen·Intermediate

Intermediate
May 2026

Summary

MathWorks software engineer interview with a logic puzzle that looked deceptively simple on paper. One round, one meaty brain teaser, and a lot of second-guessing myself mid-deduction.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Four coworkers A, B, C, and D stand in a row. A is left of C. B is not at either end. D is next to exactly one of A or C. There is exactly one person between A and B. Figure out the exact left-to-right order.

Algorithms & Data Structures
Author's notes

I started by pinning down where B could go since it can't be at either end, so positions 2 or 3.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Treat the constraints as a logic puzzle: systematically test possible positions for each person, using the most restrictive clues first (B not at ends, exactly one person between A and B). Eliminate impossible arrangements and verify the final order against all conditions.

Pro tip: Verbally walk through your reasoning step-by-step, as if explaining to a teammate. This demonstrates structured thinking and communication—key traits for a software engineer.

1. Identify the most restrictive clue

Start with 'B is not at either end' and 'exactly one person between A and B'. These limit B to positions 2 or 3, and A to positions that are two away from B.

2. Enumerate possible positions for A and B

If B is at position 2, A must be at position 4 (since A cannot be at position 0). If B is at position 3, A must be at position 1. So two cases: (A=4, B=2) or (A=1, B=3).

3. Apply the remaining constraints

Use 'A is left of C' and 'D is next to exactly one of A or C' to determine C and D's positions in each case. Eliminate any case that violates a constraint.

4. Verify the final arrangement

Check that all four people are placed, no duplicates, and every condition is satisfied. State the final order clearly.

Key Points to Mention

  • Systematic constraint satisfaction: start with the most restrictive condition.
  • Case analysis: split into two possible scenarios based on B's position.
  • Logical elimination: discard arrangements that violate any clue.
  • Verification: always double-check the final order against all given statements.
  • Clear communication: explain each step as you go, showing your reasoning.
  • Edge cases: consider if any clue could be interpreted differently (e.g., 'next to exactly one' means adjacent to one but not both).

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.