Mastering Brain Teasers: Google, Apple, and Microsoft’s Favorite Puzzles Decoded

In the tech industry, companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft are renowned for their challenging interview processes. Among the various types of questions candidates might face, brain teasers stand out as particularly daunting. These puzzles are designed to test logical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving skills under pressure.

The Light Bulb Problem

The Puzzle:

You find yourself in a room with three light switches. Each switch controls one of three light bulbs in another room. You can only enter the room with the light bulbs once. How do you figure out which switch controls which bulb?

The Solution:

This puzzle requires you to think creatively about the physical properties of the light bulbs, not just their on/off states. Here’s how you can solve it:

1. Step 1: Turn on the first switch and leave it on for a few minutes. This will heat the corresponding bulb.
2. Step 2: Turn off the first switch and turn on the second switch.
3. Step 3: Immediately walk into the room with the bulbs.
   # The bulb that is on is controlled by the second switch.
   # The bulb that is off but warm to the touch is controlled by the first…