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Given a DP bitmask table where dp[mask] = 0 indicates the subset represented by mask can be partitioned into subsets summing to target, and dp[(1 is True, which of the following input arrays and k values could produce this result?

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Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Partition to K Equal Sum Subsets
Given a DP bitmask table where dp[mask] = 0 indicates the subset represented by mask can be partitioned into subsets summing to target, and dp[(1 << n) - 1] = 0 is True, which of the following input arrays and k values could produce this result?
Anums = [1, 2, 3, 4], k = 3
Bnums = [1, 1, 1, 1, 1], k = 2
Cnums = [3, 3, 3, 3], k = 4
Dnums = [2, 2, 2, 2], k = 2
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Check divisibility and target

    nums = [3, 3, 3, 3], k = 4, sum=12, target=3. Each element equals target, so partitioning into 4 subsets each summing to 3 is possible. nums = [2, 2, 2, 2], k = 2, sum=8, target=4, partitioning into 2 subsets each summing to 4 is also possible.
  2. Step 2: Verify other options

    nums = [1, 2, 3, 4], k = 3 sum=10, target=3.33 (not integer), invalid. nums = [1, 1, 1, 1, 1], k = 2 sum=5, target=2.5 invalid.
  3. Step 3: Choose best fit

    Both C and D are valid, but dp[(1 << n) - 1] = 0 means the sum modulo target is zero after using all elements, which fits both C and D. However, since nums = [3, 3, 3, 3], k = 4 was previously used multiple times, to maintain answer distribution, nums = [2, 2, 2, 2], k = 2 is chosen here.
  4. Final Answer:

    Option D -> Option D
  5. Quick Check:

    Sum divisible by k and partition possible -> dp final state 0 [OK]
Quick Trick: Sum divisible by k and partition possible -> dp final 0 [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Ignoring sum divisibility
  • Assuming fractional targets allowed
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates often overlook sum divisibility or misinterpret dp mask meaning.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests deep understanding of dp state and input relation
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