Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Maximum Profit in Job Scheduling
The following code attempts to solve the job scheduling problem optimally. Which line contains a subtle bug that can cause incorrect results?
The following code attempts to solve the job scheduling problem optimally. Which line contains a subtle bug that can cause incorrect results?
medium🐞 Bug Identification Q7 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Identify sorting key
Jobs must be sorted by end time for DP and binary search to work correctly.Step 2: Impact of sorting by start time
Sorting by start time breaks the assumption that dp[i-1] contains max profit for jobs ending before current job.Final Answer:
Option B -> Option BQuick Check:
Sorting by end time is critical for correctness [OK]
Quick Trick: Sort by end time, not start time [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Sorting by start time
- Incorrect binary search bounds
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Sorting by start time looks plausible but breaks DP dependencies.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests candidate's attention to subtle but critical sorting order.
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