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.

Answered by Oxbridge Preparation tutor

1526 Views

See similar Oxbridge Preparation Mentoring tutors

Related Oxbridge Preparation Mentoring answers

All answers ▸

What's the best way to make your Oxbridge application stand out?


Should I write about extracurricular activities on my personal statement?


Discuss the political effects of automation


Interview: (Shown protein structure of virus capsid) Explain what you think this structure is, and how knowing the structure may be of relevance to medicine?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences