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Given the sorted string list ['9', '5', '34', '3', '30'] as an intermediate state, which original input list could produce this order after applying the largest number sorting comparator?

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Greedy Algorithms - Largest Number (Arrange to Form Biggest)
Given the sorted string list ['9', '5', '34', '3', '30'] as an intermediate state, which original input list could produce this order after applying the largest number sorting comparator?
A[9, 5, 3, 30, 34]
B[5, 9, 3, 34, 30]
C[30, 3, 34, 5, 9]
D[3, 30, 34, 5, 9]
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Recognize that sorting order is based on concatenation comparison

    Order '9','5','34','3','30' matches input [3,30,34,5,9].
  2. Step 2: Verify that other options do not produce this exact sorted order

    Only [3, 30, 34, 5, 9] matches the known example producing this order.
  3. Final Answer:

    Option D -> Option D
  4. Quick Check:

    Sorted order matches known largest number example input [OK]
Quick Trick: Sorted order corresponds to known example input [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Confusing input permutations that produce different orders
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates fail to reason backward from sorted order to original input.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests deep understanding of sorting comparator effect on input order.
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