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What is the time complexity of the DP with bitmask tabulation approach for partitioning an array of size n into k equal sum subsets, where the algorithm iterates over all subsets and elements?

medium🪤 Complexity Trap Q13 of Q15
Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Partition to K Equal Sum Subsets
What is the time complexity of the DP with bitmask tabulation approach for partitioning an array of size n into k equal sum subsets, where the algorithm iterates over all subsets and elements?
AO(k^n) because it tries all assignments of elements to k buckets
BO(n * 2^n) because it iterates over all subsets and elements
CO(n * target) where target is the subset sum
DO(2^n * n^2) due to nested loops over subsets and elements
Step-by-Step Solution
  1. Step 1: Identify loops in the algorithm

    The outer loop iterates over all subsets (2^n), inner loop over n elements.
  2. Step 2: Calculate total complexity

    Combining loops gives O(n * 2^n). The target sum does not affect iteration count directly.
  3. Final Answer:

    Option A -> Option A
  4. Quick Check:

    DP bitmask iterates all subsets and elements [OK]
Quick Trick: Bitmask DP complexity is n times 2^n subsets [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Confusing brute force backtracking complexity with DP complexity
  • Assuming complexity depends on target sum
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Brute force complexity O(k^n) looks plausible but DP reduces it to O(n*2^n).
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Checks if candidate understands difference between brute force and DP complexities.
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