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Optiver·Software Engineer·Technical Phone Screen·Junior

JuniorPrefer not to say
May 2026

Summary

Optiver quant interview, one question that looks like a simple sequence puzzle but has two separate patterns running at once. Took me longer than I'd like to admit to see both.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Find the missing term in the sequence: 1, 2, 3, 16/5, 25/8, 36/13, ?, 49/21.

Algorithms & Data Structures
Author's notes

Stared at this for a bit because I kept trying to find one unified pattern across the whole thing.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

First, convert all terms to fractions to see patterns clearly. Then, analyze the numerators and denominators separately, looking for relationships such as squares, Fibonacci, or other sequences. Finally, use the identified patterns to compute the missing term.

Pro tip: In trading interviews, speed and accuracy are crucial. Practice mental math and pattern recognition under time pressure, and always double-check your answer by verifying it fits the sequence.

1. Convert to fractions

Rewrite all terms as fractions with a common denominator if necessary, to make patterns more apparent.

2. Analyze numerators

Examine the sequence of numerators to identify a pattern, such as squares of natural numbers or Fibonacci numbers.

3. Analyze denominators

Examine the sequence of denominators to identify a pattern, such as Fibonacci numbers or other simple sequences.

4. Identify combined pattern

Determine how the numerator and denominator sequences relate to each other and to the position in the sequence.

5. Compute missing term

Apply the identified patterns to calculate the missing term, ensuring it fits the overall sequence.

Key Points to Mention

  • Converting all terms to fractions for clarity
  • Recognizing squares in the numerator sequence (1,4,9,16,25,36,49)
  • Identifying Fibonacci numbers in the denominator sequence (1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21)
  • Noting that the first three terms are integers but can be written as fractions (1/1, 4/2, 9/3)
  • Verifying the pattern by checking consistency across all given terms
  • Calculating the missing term as 64/34, which simplifies to 32/17

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