Greedy Algorithms - Jump Game II (Minimum Jumps)
Consider the following BFS-based jump function. What is the returned value when calling jump([2,1,1,1,4])?
Consider the following BFS-based jump function. What is the returned value when calling jump([2,1,1,1,4])?
easy🧾 Code Trace Q12 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Trace first BFS level
Start at index 0 with jump length 2, enqueue indices 1 and 2, jumps = 1.Step 2: Trace second BFS level
From indices 1 and 2, enqueue reachable indices: from 1 (jump 1) -> 2 (visited), from 2 (jump 1) -> 3, jumps = 2.Step 3: Trace third BFS level
From index 3 (jump 1), enqueue index 4 (last index), jumps = 3, return 3.Final Answer:
Option A -> Option AQuick Check:
Minimum jumps to reach end is 3 [OK]
Quick Trick: Count BFS levels until last index reached [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Off-by-one error in counting jumps
- Returning jumps too early
- Miscounting reachable indices
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Candidates often confuse jump count increments or return too early, leading to off-by-one errors.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests ability to mentally execute BFS and track variables precisely.
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