Compare Two Integers | Dataford Interview Questions

Tempus Lens can use a three-way comparison result when ordering two computed scores. Given two integers x and y, implement a function that returns -1 when x is less than y, 0 when they are equal, and 1 when x is greater than y.

Do not return the difference x - y, because the required result must always be exactly one of -1, 0, or 1. The function should work for negative values, zero, and arbitrarily large Python integers.

Formal Specification

Input: Two integers, x and y.
Output: An integer in {-1, 0, 1} representing the ordering of x relative to y.
Function: compare_scores(x, y)

Constraints

-10^18 <= x, y <= 10^18
The result must be exactly -1, 0, or 1
Use constant auxiliary space

Function Signature

def compare_scores(x, y):

Your question is Compare Two Integers. Start with the requirements in the Question tab.

Run and submit as often as you like. When you're ready, talk me through your approach or go straight to the code.

Problem

Formal Specification

Input: Two integers, x and y.
Output: An integer in {-1, 0, 1} representing the ordering of x relative to y.
Function: compare_scores(x, y)

Constraints

-10^18 <= x, y <= 10^18
The result must be exactly -1, 0, or 1
Use constant auxiliary space

Function Signature

def compare_scores(x, y):

Your question is Compare Two Integers. Start with the requirements in the Question tab.

Run and submit as often as you like. When you're ready, talk me through your approach or go straight to the code.