A staircase has n steps. You can scale the stairs by taking steps one or two at a time. How many ways are there to scale the steps?

If there are 0 steps, there is 1 possibility (you are already done).If there is 1 step, there is 1 possibility (you take one step).If there are n steps, your first choice is either 1 step or 2 steps:Choice 1: the problem now exists for n-1 stepsChoice 2: the problem now exists for n-2 stepsLet f(x) be the number of ways of scaling x steps. You can now say that f(x) = f(x-1) + f(x-2) - the Fibonacci sequence.This is an example of a dynamic programming question - a computer science topic for first-year Cambridge computer scientists, and my first interview question.

Related Oxbridge Preparation Mentoring answers

All answers ▸

What should I put in my personal statement?


How to survive my Oxbridge interview?


How to answer a difficult interview question or one you don’t know the answer to?


What kinds of questions do tutors ask you in the interview?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences