Bit Manipulation - Single Number (XOR Self-Cancellation)
Given an array where every element appears twice except one unique element, which bitwise operation technique efficiently identifies the unique element without extra memory?
Given an array where every element appears twice except one unique element, which bitwise operation technique efficiently identifies the unique element without extra memory?
easy💻 Programming Q1 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Understand XOR properties
XOR of a number with itself is 0, and XOR with 0 is the number itself.Step 2: Apply XOR across all elements
Since duplicates cancel out, XORing all elements leaves the unique element.Final Answer:
Option D -> Option DQuick Check:
All duplicates vanish, unique remains [OK]
Quick Trick: XOR duplicates cancel, unique remains [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Assuming sorting is always more efficient
- Using extra memory unnecessarily
- Confusing XOR with OR or AND operations
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Sorting or hash map seem intuitive but use extra time or space
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests understanding of XOR properties and efficient unique element detection
Master "Single Number (XOR Self-Cancellation)" in Bit Manipulation
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