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Suppose the problem is modified so that each number in the input array can be used multiple times to form the subsets. Which change to the DP approach correctly solves this variant?

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Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Equal Partition (Partition Equal Subset Sum)
Suppose the problem is modified so that each number in the input array can be used multiple times to form the subsets. Which change to the DP approach correctly solves this variant?
AKeep the same code but iterate the dp array backwards to avoid reuse of elements
BChange the inner loop to iterate forwards from num to target to allow multiple uses of the same element
CUse recursion without memoization to explore all combinations with repeats
DDouble the dp array size to track counts of each element used
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Understand the difference between 0/1 and unbounded knapsack

    Allowing multiple uses means the problem becomes unbounded knapsack, which requires forward iteration over dp array.
  2. Step 2: Identify correct dp iteration direction

    Iterating forwards from num to target allows dp[w] to build upon dp[w - num] updated in the same iteration, enabling multiple uses.
  3. Final Answer:

    Option B -> Option B
  4. Quick Check:

    Backward iteration prevents multiple uses; forward iteration enables them [OK]
Quick Trick: Forward dp iteration enables multiple uses of elements [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Using backward iteration from 0/1 knapsack
  • Ignoring iteration direction for repeats
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Backward iteration is correct for 0/1 knapsack but breaks unbounded knapsack logic
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests if candidate understands how iteration direction encodes element reuse in DP
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