Intervals - Remove Covered Intervals
What does the function return for input intervals = [[0,0]] (single zero-length interval)?
What does the function return for input intervals = [[0,0]] (single zero-length interval)?
medium🧾 Code Trace Q4 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Sort intervals
Only one interval [[0,0]], sorting unchanged.Step 2: Iterate and count
max_end=0; end=0; 0 > 0? No, so count remains 0. But since no intervals covered, count should be 1.Step 3: Clarify comparison
Because end == max_end, count is not incremented. But initial max_end=0 means zero-length interval is counted once.Final Answer:
Option A -> Option AQuick Check:
Single interval always counted [OK]
Quick Trick: Zero-length intervals count as uncovered if no larger interval covers them [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Assuming zero-length intervals are covered
- Misinterpreting end > max_end condition
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Candidates confuse strict inequality and zero-length intervals coverage.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests edge case handling and boundary conditions.
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