Greedy Algorithms - Minimum Cost to Connect Sticks
What is the output of the min_cost_greedy function when the input sticks array is [0]?
What is the output of the min_cost_greedy function when the input sticks array is [0]?
medium🧾 Code Trace Q4 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Check input length
Input has one stick, so function returns 0 immediately.Step 2: Confirm no merges
No merges occur, so total cost is 0.Final Answer:
Option B -> Option BQuick Check:
Single stick means zero cost [OK]
Quick Trick: Single stick input returns zero cost [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Expecting cost for single stick
- Assuming error on zero-length stick
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Candidates often expect cost even when only one stick exists or think zero-length causes error.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests handling of edge cases and base conditions
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