Bit Manipulation - Find the Missing Number
What is the space complexity of the XOR approach to find the missing number in an array of length n?
What is the space complexity of the XOR approach to find the missing number in an array of length n?
medium🪤 Complexity Trap Q6 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Identify auxiliary space
The algorithm uses only a few variables (xor_all, counters), no extra arrays or recursion.Step 2: Analyze space usage
Space used does not grow with input size, so space complexity is O(1).Final Answer:
Option C -> Option CQuick Check:
Only constant variables used, no recursion or extra arrays [OK]
Quick Trick: No extra arrays or recursion -> O(1) space [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Assuming recursion stack space
- Confusing bit operations with extra space
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Candidates confuse bit operations or recursion with extra space usage, picking O(n) or O(log n).
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests understanding of space complexity in iterative bit manipulation solutions.
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