Greedy on linked list
Last updated: August 10, 2025
Quick Overview
Given a singly linked list, implement a function that applies a greedy algorithm to remove nodes that have a value less than the maximum value encountered so far while traversing the list. The function should return the modified linked list, preserving the original order of the remaining nodes.
Bloomberg
August 10, 202546
9
581 solved
Given a singly linked list, implement a function that applies a greedy algorithm to remove nodes that have a value less than the maximum value encountered so far while traversing the list. The function should return the modified linked list, preserving the original order of the remaining nodes.
This coding problem is frequently asked during Take-home Project at Bloomberg. The interviewer is testing your ability to translate a problem into clean, working code while discussing time and space complexity. Bloomberg expects candidates to write production-quality code, not just solve the puzzle.
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
How to Approach This
- Clarify input constraints and edge cases before writing code.
- Walk through your approach verbally and confirm with the interviewer before coding.
- Start with a brute force solution, then optimize. Mention time and space complexity.
- Test your solution with examples, including edge cases like empty input or duplicates.
- Consider common patterns: sliding window, two pointers, hash map, BFS/DFS, dynamic programming.
Possible Follow-up Questions
- How would your solution change if the input was sorted?
- How would you test this solution thoroughly?
- Can you solve this in a single pass?
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Practice DSA ProblemsSample Answer
Problem Analysis
This problem requires us to traverse a singly linked list and remove nodes that have a value less than the maximum value encountered so far. The greedy algorithm applies because at each node, we make ...
Approach
- Start with the head of the linked list and initialize a variable
max_valueto a very small number (or the value of the head). - Create a dummy node that will help in easily returning the modif...
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