[Solved] Consider the following Python function implementing backtracking with bitmask... Given nums = [4, 3, 2, 3, 5, 2, 1] and k = 4, what is the final return value of canPartitionKSubsets(nums, k)? | Subsets & Combinations

Subsets & Combinations - Partition to K Equal Sum Subsets

Consider the following Python function implementing backtracking with bitmask memoization for partitioning an array into k equal sum subsets. Given nums = [4, 3, 2, 3, 5, 2, 1] and k = 4, what is the final return value of canPartitionKSubsets(nums, k)?

ATrue

BFalse

CRaises an exception due to index error

DReturns None

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Calculate total and target sum
Total sum is 4+3+2+3+5+2+1=20, target per subset = 20/4=5.
Step 2: Trace backtracking with sorted nums
Sorted nums: [5,4,3,3,2,2,1]. The algorithm finds subsets: {5}, {4,1}, {3,2}, {3,2} all summing to 5, so returns True.
Final Answer:
Option A -> Option A
Quick Check:
All subsets sum to target, so partition possible [OK]

Quick Trick: Sum divisible by k and backtracking finds valid subsets [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Miscounting sum or target
Assuming no solution due to order

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Candidates may think the function returns False if subsets are not contiguous or ordered

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Tests ability to mentally execute backtracking with bitmask on small input

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More Subsets & Combinations Quizzes

Given nums = [4, 3, 2, 3, 5, 2, 1] and k = 4, what is the final return value of canPartitionKSubsets(nums, k)?

Step 1: Calculate total and target sum

Step 2: Trace backtracking with sorted nums

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

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