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In a backtracking solution with memoization for partitioning an array into k equal sum subsets, which common mistake can cause infinite recursion or incorrect results?

medium🐞 Bug Identification Q7 of Q15

Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Partition to K Equal Sum Subsets

In a backtracking solution with memoization for partitioning an array into k equal sum subsets, which common mistake can cause infinite recursion or incorrect results?

AUsing a global variable for sum tracking

BSorting the array before recursion

CNot marking visited states in memoization

DReturning true immediately after first subset found

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand memoization role
Memoization stores visited states to avoid repeated computations and infinite loops.
Step 2: Identify the bug
Not marking visited states causes repeated exploration of the same state, leading to infinite recursion or wrong answers.
Final Answer:
Option C -> Option C
Quick Check:
Memoization prevents repeated state visits [OK]

Quick Trick: Always mark visited states to avoid infinite recursion [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Forgetting to memoize visited states
Incorrect base case handling
Prematurely returning true

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Missing memoization marking looks like a minor omission but causes major issues

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Tests debugging skills in recursive DP with memoization

Master "Partition to K Equal Sum Subsets" in Dynamic Programming: Knapsack

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