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Which of the following problems CANNOT be solved using the Target Sum dynamic programming pattern (0/1 knapsack with sign assignments)?

easy🔍 Pattern Recognition Q2 of Q15
Dynamic Programming: Knapsack - Target Sum
Which of the following problems CANNOT be solved using the Target Sum dynamic programming pattern (0/1 knapsack with sign assignments)?
AFind the number of ways to assign '+' or '-' signs to array elements to reach a target sum
BCount subsets of an array that sum exactly to a given value
CDetermine if there exists a subset with sum equal to half of total array sum
DFind the maximum sum of a contiguous subarray
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Analyze problem types

    Options B, C, and D involve subset sums or sign assignments, which fit the 0/1 knapsack or Target Sum pattern.

  2. Step 2: Identify anti-pattern

    Maximum sum of contiguous subarray is solved by Kadane's algorithm, not DP over subsets or sign assignments.

  3. Final Answer:

    Option D -> Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    Contiguous subarray max sum ≠ subset sum pattern [OK]
Quick Trick: Contiguous subarray max sum ≠ subset sum DP [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Confusing subset sum with contiguous subarray problems
  • Assuming all sum problems use knapsack DP
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates often think all sum-related problems use knapsack DP, but contiguous subarray problems require different approaches.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests anti-pattern recognition and understanding of problem classes.
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