Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Minimum Subset Sum Difference
Given the following code snippet implementing the minimum subset sum difference, what is the output for input arr = [1, 6, 11, 5]?
Given the following code snippet implementing the minimum subset sum difference, what is the output for input arr = [1, 6, 11, 5]?
easy🧾 Code Trace Q3 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Calculate total sum and half
Sum = 1+6+11+5 = 23, half = 11Step 2: Identify achievable sums ≤ 11
Possible sums include 0,1,5,6,7,11, etc. The closest to half is 11.Step 3: Compute minimum difference
Difference = 23 - 2*11 = 1Final Answer:
Option B -> Option BQuick Check:
Output matches known example result [OK]
Quick Trick: Closest subset sum to half total sum -> minimal difference [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Miscompute half as float, off-by-one in dp iteration
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Candidates often pick 0 or 2 by miscalculating half or dp indices.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests ability to trace space-optimized DP on canonical input.
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