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Which of the following problems CANNOT be solved using the Path Sum pattern (root-to-leaf path sum check)?

easy🔍 Pattern Recognition Q2 of Q15
Tree: Depth-First Search - Path Sum
Which of the following problems CANNOT be solved using the Path Sum pattern (root-to-leaf path sum check)?
ACheck if a root-to-leaf path sums to a target value
BFind if any path (not necessarily root-to-leaf) sums to a target
CCount the number of root-to-leaf paths with a given sum
DDetermine if a root-to-leaf path has a sum less than a target
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Understand Path Sum pattern scope

    Path Sum pattern checks existence of a root-to-leaf path with a specific sum, returning boolean.

  2. Step 2: Analyze each option

    Check if a root-to-leaf path sums to a target value is solvable by Path Sum pattern. Find if any path (not necessarily root-to-leaf) sums to a target involves any path, not just root-to-leaf, which Path Sum pattern does not handle. Count the number of root-to-leaf paths with a given sum and D involve root-to-leaf paths and can be adapted.

  3. Final Answer:

    Option B -> Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    Any path sum (not root-to-leaf) requires different approach [OK]
Quick Trick: Path Sum pattern only checks root-to-leaf paths [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming Path Sum handles any path
  • Confusing counting with existence
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates often think Path Sum pattern can handle any path sums, but it only checks root-to-leaf paths.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests understanding of Path Sum pattern limitations.
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