Bird
Raised Fist0

Examine the following code snippet for the Maximum Units on a Truck problem:

medium🐞 Bug Identification Q7 of Q15
Greedy Algorithms - Maximum Units on a Truck
Examine the following code snippet for the Maximum Units on a Truck problem:
def maxUnits(boxTypes, truckSize):
    boxTypes.sort(key=lambda x: x[1])  # Sort ascending
    totalUnits = 0
    for count, units in boxTypes:
        if truckSize == 0:
            break
        boxes_to_take = min(count, truckSize)
        totalUnits += boxes_to_take * units
        truckSize -= boxes_to_take
    return totalUnits

What is the primary bug in this code?
AUsing min(count, truckSize) instead of max(count, truckSize)
BSorting boxTypes in ascending order instead of descending order
CNot checking if truckSize is negative before subtracting
DReturning totalUnits before processing all box types
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Understand the sorting order

    The problem requires maximizing units loaded, so box types with higher units per box should be prioritized.
  2. Step 2: Identify sorting mistake

    The code sorts boxTypes in ascending order by units, which causes the algorithm to pick boxes with fewer units first, leading to suboptimal results.
  3. Step 3: Other code parts

    The use of min(count, truckSize) is correct to avoid overloading, and the truckSize check is sufficient.
  4. Final Answer:

    Option B -> Option B
  5. Quick Check:

    Sort descending to maximize units [OK]
Quick Trick: Sort descending by units per box to maximize total units [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Confusing min and max in boxes_to_take calculation
  • Ignoring sorting order impact
  • Assuming truckSize can be negative
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Ascending sort looks plausible but leads to suboptimal loading
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests ability to spot subtle bugs in sorting logic
Master "Maximum Units on a Truck" in Greedy Algorithms

3 interactive learning modes - each teaches the same concept differently

Want More Practice?

15+ quiz questions · All difficulty levels · Free

Free Signup - Practice All Questions
More Greedy Algorithms Quizzes