How I Solved the MathWorks HackerRank Assessment in 2025

MathWorks HackerRank Assessment Questions

MathWorks’ online assessment includes a 15-minute math section, plus a choice between an 85-minute coding section or a 70-minute MATLAB section.

Math Section

The math section consists of five very simple multiple-choice questions, and requires no preparation at all.

1. Given the probability of event A, find the probability that it occurs five times in a row.

2. Questions on relative positions (e.g., A before B, B after D, etc.), requiring reasoning about who comes first/last.

3. Determine whether matrix multiplication is valid (whether A×B or B×A is feasible).

4. Given a table and several conclusions, identify which conclusions are correct.

5. The final question is slightly harder: given the number of people who like A/B/C/D/E and some combinations (e.g., people who like A and B, or BCD…), determine how many people satisfy a certain condition (such as liking A and B but not D).

Coding Section

Investable Periods

The first problem asked to find a contiguous subarray where the maximum value equals the given max_price and the minimum equals min_price. Initially, I thought it was straightforward, just brute-force all subarrays and check their max and min. However, as I started coding, I realized this approach wouldn’t work, since the time complexity would explode for large n and would definitely time out. I then switched to a sliding window approach, maintaining the current window’s maximum and minimum while iterating.

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Minimum Travel Cost

The second problem involved a city map in Hackerland, where the goal was to calculate the minimum fuel cost from A to B. Each city has a different fuel price, and the fuel needed for each road is specified. My first idea was to use the standard Dijkstra algorithm, but the challenge is that you can refuel in any city, so you need to consider the most cost-effective places to buy fuel. After some thought, I realized the solution requires treating each state as a combination of “city + remaining fuel” to properly expand the search.

MathWorks HackerRank Format

Sections Overview

The HackerRank OA consists of three parts:

1. Multiple-choice section

2. Coding section

3. MATLAB section (optional alternative to coding)

Time Limit and Scoring Criteria

• Multiple-choice: 5 questions, 5 points each, 15 minutes in total

• Coding: 2 problems, 85 minutes (first worth 75 points, second worth 100 points)

• MATLAB: 70 minutes (can be chosen instead of the coding section)

Preparation Strategy

Study Plan

I knew I needed a solid plan to cover all the topics in the mathworks hackerrank. I broke my prep into small, focused sessions. Here’s the schedule that worked for me:

Practice Methods

Practice made all the difference for me. I used a mix of methods to build my skills and boost my confidence.

• I solved problems in a timed environment. I set a timer for each question to match the real test pace.

• I alternated between easy, medium, and hard problems.

• After each mock interview, I reviewed my mistakes and updated my practice plan with the evaluation and improvement tips from Linkjob.ai.

• I joined online forums and discussion groups. Reading other people’s solutions gave me new ideas and shortcuts.

Resources

I started my prep by gathering the best tools and guides. I wanted to make sure I had everything I needed before diving in. Here’s what helped me the most:

• The HackerRank Interview Preparation Kit became my go-to resource. It covers coding, algorithms, and data structures with a wide range of challenges.

• When I got stuck, I checked the discussion and editorial sections for hints. These sections often have step-by-step solutions and tips from other candidates.

• When I came across questions I couldn’t answer during the interview, I decisively turned to Linkjob for help. The structured framework made my answers more organized, and the responses were generated very quickly, tailored to my specific situation.

Solving Strategies

Coding Approach

1. Read the Problem Statement Thoroughly
   I always took a minute to read the question carefully. I looked for hidden requirements or edge cases. Missing a detail can cost you points, so I made sure I understood exactly what the problem wanted.

2. Make a Rough Sketch
   Before I wrote any code, I grabbed a piece of paper or used the scratchpad. I sketched out my approach, listed the inputs and outputs, and mapped out the logic. This helped me avoid silly mistakes later.

3. Write and Test Your Code
   I started coding with the main logic first. I used sample inputs to test my code as I went. If something didn’t work, I debugged right away instead of moving on.

4. Add Functionality and Repeat
   Once the basic version worked, I added extra features or handled edge cases. I tested again after each change.

Here’s a quick checklist I followed for each coding problem:

• Read the problem twice

• Write down the main idea

• Choose the right data structure (arrays, lists, stacks, etc.)

• Code the core logic

• Test with sample inputs

• Handle edge cases

• Submit and move on

Math & Logic Approach

Break Down the Problem
I read each question slowly and broke it into smaller parts. If a question looked complicated, I tried to simplify it or look for patterns.

Write Out Calculations
I didn’t try to do everything in my head. I wrote out calculations, drew diagrams, or listed possibilities. This made it easier to spot mistakes.

Use Elimination for Multiple Choice
If I wasn’t sure about an answer, I eliminated the obviously wrong choices first. This increased my chances of picking the right one.

Review Key Formulas and Concepts
I kept a cheat sheet of important formulas and logic rules. Before the test, I reviewed this list to keep everything fresh.

Here’s a table of the main math and logic topics I focused on:

Note: Don’t rush through logic questions. Sometimes, the answer hides in the details.

FAQ

Which programming languages can I use?

Python is not allowed in the OA. For the coding section, you can only use C, C++, Java, or JavaScript.

Can I switch between the coding and MATLAB sections once I’ve started?

No. You must choose one section before starting, and once you begin, you cannot switch to the other.

Are partial solutions graded?

Yes. Even if your code doesn’t pass all test cases, you can still earn partial credit for the cases that run successfully.