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Solving Leetcode Interviews in Seconds with AI: Largest Multiple of Three

Updated
2 min read

Introduction

In this blog post, we will explore how to solve the LeetCode problem "1363" using AI. LeetCode is a popular platform for preparing for coding interviews, and with the help of AI tools like Chatmagic, we can generate solutions quickly and efficiently - helping you pass the interviews and get the job offer without having to study for months.

Problem Statement

Given an array of digits digits, return the largest multiple of three that can be formed by concatenating some of the given digits in any order. If there is no answer return an empty string. Since the answer may not fit in an integer data type, return the answer as a string. Note that the returning answer must not contain unnecessary leading zeros. Example 1: Input: digits = [8,1,9] Output: "981" Example 2: Input: digits = [8,6,7,1,0] Output: "8760" Example 3: Input: digits = [1] Output: "" Constraints: 1 <= digits.length <= 104 0 <= digits[i] <= 9

Explanation

Here's a breakdown of the solution approach, followed by the Python code:

  • Calculate the Sum and Remainder: Calculate the sum of all digits and find its remainder when divided by 3. This remainder determines what adjustments need to be made to make the sum a multiple of 3.
  • Remove Digits to Adjust Remainder: If the remainder is not 0, we need to remove digits to make it 0. We prioritize removing the smallest number of digits. If the remainder is 1, we try removing one digit with remainder 1 or two digits with remainder 2. If the remainder is 2, we try removing one digit with remainder 2 or two digits with remainder 1.
  • Construct and Return the Result: Sort the remaining digits in descending order and concatenate them into a string. Handle the edge case of leading zeros.

  • Runtime & Storage Complexity: O(n log n) time complexity due to sorting; O(n) space complexity to store the sorted list of digits.

Code

    def largestMultipleOfThree(digits):
    digits.sort(reverse=True)
    s = sum(digits)
    rem = s % 3

    if rem != 0:
        rem1 = []
        rem2 = []
        for i in range(len(digits) - 1, -1, -1):
            if digits[i] % 3 == 1:
                rem1.append(digits[i])
            elif digits[i] % 3 == 2:
                rem2.append(digits[i])

        if rem == 1:
            if len(rem1) >= 1:
                digits.remove(rem1[0])
            elif len(rem2) >= 2:
                digits.remove(rem2[0])
                digits.remove(rem2[1])
            else:
                return ""
        elif rem == 2:
            if len(rem2) >= 1:
                digits.remove(rem2[0])
            elif len(rem1) >= 2:
                digits.remove(rem1[0])
                digits.remove(rem1[1])
            else:
                return ""

    if not digits:
        return ""

    res = "".join(map(str, digits))
    if res[0] == '0':
        return "0"
    return res

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