Bird
Raised Fist0

Which of the following problems CANNOT be efficiently solved using bit manipulation techniques like n & (n - 1)?

easy🔍 Pattern Recognition Q2 of Q15
Bit Manipulation - Power of Two
Which of the following problems CANNOT be efficiently solved using bit manipulation techniques like n & (n - 1)?
ACheck if a number is a power of two
BFind the maximum subarray sum
CDetermine if a number is a power of four
DCount the number of set bits in an integer
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Analyze each problem

    Power of two and counting set bits are classic bit manipulation tasks. Maximum subarray sum is a numeric algorithm but not bit manipulation.

  2. Step 2: Identify the anti-pattern

    Maximum subarray sum cannot be solved using bit manipulation techniques like n & (n - 1).

  3. Final Answer:

    Option B -> Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    Maximum subarray sum requires different algorithmic approaches [OK]
Quick Trick: Maximum subarray sum is not a bit manipulation problem [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming all power checks are same
  • Ignoring bit position constraints
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates often think power of four is same as power of two, missing extra bit position checks.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests ability to distinguish similar but distinct bit manipulation problems.
Master "Power of Two" in Bit Manipulation

3 interactive learning modes - each teaches the same concept differently

Try ItSolutionTrace

Want More Practice?

15+ quiz questions · All difficulty levels · Free

Free Signup - Practice All Questions
More Bit Manipulation Quizzes
Bitwise AND of Numbers Range - Bitwise AND of Numbers Range - Quiz 12easy Bitwise AND of Numbers Range - Bitwise AND of Numbers Range - Quiz 13medium Generate All Permutations Using Bitmask DP - Generate All Permutations Using Bitmask DP - Quiz 14medium Gray Code - Gray Code - Quiz 10hard Maximum Product of Word Lengths - Maximum Product of Word Lengths - Quiz 14medium Number of 1 Bits (Hamming Weight) - Number of 1 Bits (Hamming Weight) - Quiz 9hard Reverse Bits - Reverse Bits - Quiz 8hard Single Number II (Three Copies) - Single Number II (Three Copies) - Quiz 6medium Single Number III (Two Singles) - Single Number III (Two Singles) - Quiz 13medium UTF-8 Validation - UTF-8 Validation - Quiz 1easy