Greedy on binary tree

Last updated: December 21, 2025

Quick Overview

Apply the Dynamic Programming algorithm on a matrix to solve this optimization problem.

TikTok
Coding & Algorithms
Machine Learning Engineer
TikTok
December 21, 2025
Machine Learning Engineer
Phone Screen
Coding & Algorithms
Easy

49

6

2,801 solved


Apply the Dynamic Programming algorithm on a matrix to solve this optimization problem.

TikTok uses this problem in the Phone Screen to evaluate your algorithmic thinking. They expect you to discuss multiple approaches, analyze trade-offs between them, and implement the optimal solution with clean, readable code.

What the Interviewer Expects
  • Identify the correct data structure and algorithm for the problem
  • Write clean, bug-free code with proper variable naming
  • Analyze time and space complexity correctly
  • Handle basic edge cases (empty input, single element)
  • Communicate your thought process while coding
Key Topics to Cover
Edge cases and input validation
Binary search and divide and conquer
Tree structures and recursion
Data structure selection and trade-offs
Time and space complexity analysis
Dynamic programming and memoization
How to Approach This
  1. Clarify input constraints and edge cases before writing code.
  2. Walk through your approach verbally and confirm with the interviewer before coding.
  3. Start with a brute force solution, then optimize. Mention time and space complexity.
  4. Test your solution with examples, including edge cases like empty input or duplicates.
  5. Consider common patterns: sliding window, two pointers, hash map, BFS/DFS, dynamic programming.
Possible Follow-up Questions
  • How would you test this solution thoroughly?
  • What if the input doesn't fit in memory?
  • How would your solution change if the input was sorted?
Sharpen Your Skills on Codemia

Practice similar problems with our interactive workspace, get AI feedback, and track your progress.

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Sample Answer
Problem Analysis

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Brute Force Approach

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