Top 25 Oddball Interview Questions

[BridgeRunner]

Even then, we're still making an assumption of integer, when only number was specified.

Not at all. If a question is about finding the correct number and the question is subject to a condition that states all numbers are incorrect, it doesn't matter if you assume "number" to mean "integer," "number," or "pepperoni," it is still impossible to answer the question.

[Hawkmoon]

Depending on the watch, you might need three; there's no guarantee that the top three won't all be in the same race, so you need to time the top three of each race.  At any rate, a few of the common solutions I've seen neglect to take into account that you can drop the bottom two of every race.

But you CAN'T drop the bottom two from each race. Suppose all the fast horses are in the second heat, so the last-place horse in that heat still ran faster than the winner of the first and fourth heats?

[sanglant]

the clock.

[Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas]

Poison the opposing horses. Bribe/beat up the jockeys. Put a spike strip in front of the starting gate. Have a sniper take out anybody who got ahead.

[Tallpine]

Poison the opposing horses. Bribe/beat up the jockeys. Put a spike strip in front of the starting gate. Have a sniper take out anybody who got ahead.

No need for all that ... just distract them with your avatar 

[Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas]

No need for all that ... just distract them with your avatar 

Good idea. Do that and put a bet on the gay jockey. 

[GigaBuist]

But you CAN'T drop the bottom two from each race. Suppose all the fast horses are in the second heat, so the last-place horse in that heat still ran faster than the winner of the first and fourth heats?

The 4th and 5th places horses in the fast heat still aren't in the top 3 overall.  Off to the glue factory with 'em!

[seeker_two]

“Out of 25 horses, pick the fastest 3 horses. In each race, only 5 horses can run at the same time. What is the minimum number of races required?”

One....and 22 rounds of 9mm ammo.... 

[Racehorse]

Poison the opposing horses. Bribe/beat up the jockeys. Put a spike strip in front of the starting gate. Have a sniper take out anybody who got ahead.

You strike me as Goldman Sachs material.

[Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas]

You strike me as Goldman Sachs material.

Hey, I just like to be thorough.