Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Minimum Subset Sum Difference
Consider the following Python function implementing the minimum subset sum difference problem. What is the returned output when the input array is
[1, 6, 11, 5]?Consider the following Python function implementing the minimum subset sum difference problem. What is the returned output when the input array is [1, 6, 11, 5]?
easy🧾 Code Trace Q12 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Calculate total_sum and half
total_sum = 1 + 6 + 11 + 5 = 23, half = 11Step 2: Identify largest achievable sum ≤ half
DP finds sums achievable: 0,1,5,6,11,... Largest w ≤ 11 with dp[w] = true is 11.Final Answer:
Option D -> Option DQuick Check:
Difference = 23 - 2*11 = 1 [OK]
Quick Trick: Check largest achievable sum ≤ half total sum [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Off-by-one in half calculation
- Misreading dp array updates
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Candidates often pick difference from wrong w or miscalculate half causing off-by-one errors.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests ability to mentally execute space-optimized DP and boundary conditions.
Master "Minimum Subset Sum Difference" in Dynamic Programming: Knapsack
Want More Practice?
15+ quiz questions · All difficulty levels · Free
Free Signup - Practice All QuestionsMore Dynamic Programming: Knapsack Quizzes