Bird
Raised Fist0

Which of the following problems CANNOT be solved using the Number of Ways to Make Change dynamic programming approach?

easy🔍 Pattern Recognition Q2 of Q15
Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Number of Ways to Make Change
Which of the following problems CANNOT be solved using the Number of Ways to Make Change dynamic programming approach?
ACount combinations of coins to reach target amount where order does not matter
BCount the number of subsets of coins that sum exactly to target with unlimited reuse
CFind the minimum number of coins needed to make a target amount
DCount the number of ways to make a target amount using unlimited coins
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Analyze problem types

    Options A, B, and D describe counting combinations with unlimited coins, which fits the pattern.
  2. Step 2: Identify the odd one out

    Find the minimum number of coins needed to make a target amount asks for minimum coins, an optimization problem, not counting ways, so it cannot be solved by this counting DP.
  3. Final Answer:

    Option C -> Option C
  4. Quick Check:

    Minimum coin count is optimization, not counting combinations -> different DP [OK]
Quick Trick: Minimum coin count ≠ counting ways DP [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Confusing counting with optimization
  • Assuming all coin problems are same
  • Ignoring order vs combination distinction
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Many candidates think all coin change problems use the same DP, missing difference between counting and optimization.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests candidate's ability to distinguish counting vs optimization DP problems.
Master "Number of Ways to Make Change" in Dynamic Programming: Knapsack

3 interactive learning modes - each teaches the same concept differently

Want More Practice?

15+ quiz questions · All difficulty levels · Free

Free Signup - Practice All Questions
More Dynamic Programming: Knapsack Quizzes