OpenAIVerified interview challenge
Investigate stale spreadsheet formulas
Find where a correct spreadsheet edit stops propagating through its dependent formulas.
Unlock with Full AccessThe challenge
A direct edit recalculates a formula chain correctly, but a bulk paste can leave a later cell stale until the workbook is reopened. The issue appears intermittently in shared workbooks. Use the reproduction and trace to plan checks that locate the fault without replacing the entire recalculation engine.
What you'll practise
State propagation
Trace the relationship between edited cells, dependants and recalculation results.
Concurrent evidence
Use versions and cache behaviour to distinguish explanations for an intermittent failure.
Formula reproduction and traceCase materials included in the full challenge
Your investigation
Explain which evidence you would inspect and what each result would change.
The complete brief and feedback are included with Full Access.