Greedy Algorithms - Assign Cookies
Given the final count of content children is 3 after running the optimal greedy Assign Cookies algorithm, and the cookie pointer is at index 4, which of the following could be the original greed array g?
Given the final count of content children is 3 after running the optimal greedy Assign Cookies algorithm, and the cookie pointer is at index 4, which of the following could be the original greed array g?
hard🔄 Reverse Engineer Q9 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Understand pointer meaning
Cookie pointer at 4 means 4 cookies used to satisfy 3 children.Step 2: Match greed to cookie usage
Greed [1,2,3] matches 3 children satisfied with 4 cookies (some cookies may be skipped).Step 3: Eliminate others
Greed [2,3,5] or higher would require bigger cookies; [1,1,1] would likely use fewer cookies.Final Answer:
Option B -> Option BQuick Check:
Pointer and count consistent with greed [1,2,3] [OK]
Quick Trick: Pointer position indicates cookies used [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Ignoring pointer meaning
- Assuming all cookies used
- Confusing greed values with cookie sizes
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Candidates often fail to reason backwards from pointer and count to original greed array.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests deep understanding by reasoning backwards through algorithm state.
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