Solution
To understand the solution, let’s start by taking the example of 3 men on the island. Let’s name each of them for easy understanding as X, Y and Z.
Since there are only 3 men on the island, the genie can put on a maximum of 3 hats. So, the maximum value of C is 3 for now.
First Case ( when C = 1)
In this case, the genie will put only one hat on any one of the 3 men.
Let’s say he puts a hat on Y. Now, Y will see no other man with the hat while X and Z will see one other man (Y) with the hat. So, the Y will understand that he is the one having a hat on his head and will dip himself underwater at exactly midnight. Hence answer is 1.
Second Case ( when C = 2)
In this case, the genie will put two hats on any two of the 3 men.
Let’s say he puts the hats on X and Y. Now, X and Y will see one other man with the hat, while Z will see two other men with the hats. Now, if there were only 1 hat, this case would have been solved on the first day, but in this case, no one will dip themselves underwater at midnight. On the second day, a man who sees one that will understand that one hat must be on his head. So, both of them will go underwater on the second night. Hence, the answer is 2.
Third Case ( when C = 3)
In this case, a genie will put the hat on all the 3 men.
Now, X, Y and Z will see two other men with hats. If there were 1 or 2 hats, this scenario would have been solved on the first or second day, but there are 3 hats; thus, on the third day, the man who can see two hats will understand that they all have hats on their head so they all will go and dip themselves underwater on the third night. Hence the answer is 3.
Hence after looking at all the scenarios, the answer to this puzzle of Genie and Hats is C.
Check out this problem - 8 Queens Problem
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare a puzzle?
→ Start with thinking about the puzzle you are being asked.
→ Ask for more clarification.
→ Understand and explain your reasoning.
→ Take more test cases and check your logic.
→ Then finally, give your solution.
What are Guesstimate Interview Questions?
Guesstimate questions include asking candidates to guess or estimate a number based on limited information. Successfully solving guesstimate interview questions requires general knowledge, logical thinking, mental maths, and problem-solving skills.
What does wild guess mean?
Wild guess is based on taking a guess without any knowledge or information regarding the thing.
Conclusion
This article discussed an interview puzzle popularly known as Genie and Hats, which can be asked of you in your job interviews.
For more such interview puzzles, refer to the Interview Puzzles available and take a look at Test Series and Topic-Wise Problems for placement preparation.
Recommended Readings:
Do check out The Interview guide for Product Based Companies as well as some of the Popular Interview Problems from Top companies like Amazon, Adobe, Google, etc. on Coding Ninjas Studio.
Also check out some of the Guided Paths on topics such as Data Structure and Algorithms, Competitive Programming, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, DBMS, System Design, etc. as well as some Contests, Test Series, Interview Bundles, and some Interview Experiences curated by top Industry Experts only on Coding Ninjas Studio.
Happy Coding!
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