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Consider the same optimal interval intersection code. What is the output when one list is empty and the other contains [[1,3]]? A = [] B = [[1,3]]

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Intervals - Interval List Intersections
Consider the same optimal interval intersection code. What is the output when one list is empty and the other contains [[1,3]]? A = [] B = [[1,3]]
A[[0,0]]
B[[1,3]]
CRuntime error due to empty list
D[]
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Check loop condition

    Since A is empty, i=0 but len(A)=0, so while loop condition fails immediately.

  2. Step 2: Return result

    Result list is empty, so function returns [].

  3. Final Answer:

    Option A -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Empty input list means no intersections [OK]
Quick Trick: Empty input -> no intersections [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming non-empty output
  • Runtime error due to index access
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Some candidates expect output even if one list is empty, or fear runtime error.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests handling of edge cases with empty inputs.
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