[OFF-TOPIC] Am I the only one who thinks that the time given to us to solve the questions in the C++ challenges isn't enough?

Question

It has come to my notice that most of the questions asked in the C++ challenges involve quick calculation. The average brain, at least in my opinion, just isn't capable of calculating this quickly. I would like to hear other people's thoughts on this matter. Thank you.

Answer 1

@Prasun

You're not expected to use a calculator. lol :D They're called challenges because they're suppose to be challenging. It helps you engage into what you're learning instead of learning it passively, and being forced into high energy moments with it causes you to solidify what you're learning, even if you get it wrong. It's intent and purpose is to make you better, and that's completely outside of your own satisfaction of beating someone else. They use your natural competitive nature to help you learn. Sure, I could always use a boat to get across the lake, but I'll never learn how to be a great swimmer.

Answer 2

@Kinshuk Vasisht Really? And all this I had been trying to solve those questions subvocally. I didn't know that I was expected to use a calculator and a notepad! Thanks for clearing that up.

Answer 3

I believe we have established that the challenges in C++ mostly comprise calculation-based problems that one wouldn't do mentally in a real world scenario. Which is why, these problems need to be reviewed and necessary changes need to be made so that the concepts that have been learned by the quiz-takers till that point are solidified. I have posted to SoloLearn some feedback on this matter. If we all do the same they are sure to take action! Please, those who are reading this, let them know as well :D

Answer 4

@Jacob Marley Certainly not quick enough to solve these questions before the time runs out.

Answer 5

@D B I know right! Carrying out calculations such as these is exactly what we write programs for. Well, that's part of the reason anyway. Therefore, doing these problems mentally defeats the very purpose of coding.

Answer 6

The reason I don't like the challenges isn't the math, but the codes in there. Most questions just contain an algorithm which no one would ever write in a serious attampt to solve a problem.

Answer 7

The challenges expect you to do either of these:

1) Be a novice in mental math.
2) Have a calculator and a notepad.
3) Play every day and learn up all the answers.

The choice is up to you.

Answer 8

Ugh... I am getting mixed opinions over here... Not sure whom to trust. But what Jacob said makes sense, I guess.

Answer 9

Being able to do math without calculator is actually not bad. And I don't say that to defend the challenges. I also don't really like them. It's just my opinion.

Answer 10

How quickly does the average brain calculate?

Answer 11

http://thephenomenalexperience.com/content/how-fast-is-your-brain

Answer 12

@Kinshuk Vasisht
Sad, but true. I hate that system...

Answer 13

I am also thinking that this calculation of mathematical mess scattered in loops is 1. boring
2. too much
3. not possible for the majority
4. not really related to learning

But @Kinshuk Vasisht just nailed it.

Answer 14

It is defenitely veeery useful to make basic calculations in your head and like "predict" what i will be in the 8th iteration or so. But those calculations in these challenges are not really something you'd do... And that's why HTML challenges are the most favoured ones: You can't calculate anything there ;-)

Answer 15

@Alex That's what I wanted to say :D

Answer 16

yes maybe you are right with time but you can only improve solving for any interview or job purpose examination with a good practice of time based questions..so keep doing either u win or lose ... finally u will be winner that's sure😉