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Suppose the problem is modified so that each coin can be used at most once (0/1 knapsack variant). Which of the following changes to the original code correctly counts the number of combinations?

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Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Coin Change II (Count Ways)
Suppose the problem is modified so that each coin can be used at most once (0/1 knapsack variant). Which of the following changes to the original code correctly counts the number of combinations?
AChange inner loop to iterate amounts backward (from amount down to coin) to avoid reuse
BChange inner loop to iterate amounts forward (from coin to amount) as in original code
CUse recursion without memoization to explore all subsets
DUse greedy approach picking largest coins first
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Understand 0/1 knapsack constraints

    Each coin can be used once, so dp updates must avoid reuse within same iteration.
  2. Step 2: Identify correct iteration order

    Iterating amounts backward ensures dp[w] uses dp[w - coin] from previous iteration, preventing reuse.
  3. Step 3: Evaluate other options

    Forward iteration allows reuse; recursion without memoization is inefficient; greedy is incorrect.
  4. Final Answer:

    Option A -> Option A
  5. Quick Check:

    Backward iteration is standard for 0/1 knapsack to avoid reuse [OK]
Quick Trick: Backward iteration prevents reuse in 0/1 knapsack [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Using forward iteration causing reuse
  • Relying on greedy or naive recursion
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Forward iteration looks natural but breaks 0/1 constraint by allowing reuse.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests candidate's understanding of iteration order impact on reuse constraints.
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