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What is the time complexity of the optimal greedy algorithm that finds the maximum number of non-overlapping intervals by sorting intervals by their end times?

medium🪤 Complexity Trap Q5 of Q15
Intervals - Non-overlapping Intervals (Max Non-Overlap)
What is the time complexity of the optimal greedy algorithm that finds the maximum number of non-overlapping intervals by sorting intervals by their end times?
AO(n^2)
BO(n)
CO(log n)
DO(n log n)
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Analyze sorting step

    Sorting intervals by end time takes O(n log n) time.
  2. Step 2: Analyze greedy selection

    Iterating through intervals once is O(n).
  3. Final Answer:

    Option D -> Option D
  4. Quick Check:

    Sorting dominates, so total is O(n log n) [OK]
Quick Trick: Sorting dominates -> O(n log n) [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming O(n) due to single pass
  • Confusing with DP complexities
  • Thinking sorting is O(n^2)
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates often forget sorting cost and pick O(n) incorrectly.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests understanding of time complexity of greedy scheduling.
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