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Identify the subtle bug that causes incorrect counts on some inputs.

medium🐞 Bug Identification Q7 of Q15
Tree: Depth-First Search - Count Complete Tree Nodes
The following code attempts to count nodes in a complete binary tree using the optimal approach. Identify the subtle bug that causes incorrect counts on some inputs. ```python def exists(idx, h, root): left, right = 0, 2**(h - 1) - 1 for _ in range(h - 1): mid = (left + right) // 2 if idx < mid: root = root.left right = mid else: root = root.right left = mid + 1 return root is not None ```
AThe loop should run h times instead of h - 1 times.
BThe comparison should be 'idx <= mid' instead of 'idx < mid'.
CThe initial right boundary should be 2**h - 1 instead of 2**(h - 1) - 1.
DThe function should return root.val instead of root is not None.
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Analyze binary search condition

    Using 'idx < mid' excludes the mid index, causing off-by-one errors.
  2. Step 2: Correct condition

    Changing to 'idx <= mid' ensures correct traversal to left or right subtree.
  3. Final Answer:

    Option B -> Option B
  4. Quick Check:

    Off-by-one in binary search condition leads to incorrect node existence checks [OK]
Quick Trick: Binary search index comparison must include equality [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Using strict less than instead of less or equal
  • Incorrect loop bounds
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates often miss the subtle off-by-one in binary search index comparison.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests attention to detail in binary search implementation on trees.
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