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Leetcode #1085: Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number

In this guide, we solve Leetcode #1085 Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number in Python and focus on the core idea that makes the solution efficient.

You will see the intuition, the step-by-step method, and a clean Python implementation you can use in interviews.

Leetcode

Problem Statement

Given an integer array nums, return 0 if the sum of the digits of the minimum integer in nums is odd, or 1 otherwise. Example 1: Input: nums = [34,23,1,24,75,33,54,8] Output: 0 Explanation: The minimal element is 1, and the sum of those digits is 1 which is odd, so the answer is 0.

Quick Facts

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Premium: Yes
  • Tags: Array, Math

Intuition

There is a mathematical invariant or formula that directly leads to the result.

Using math avoids unnecessary loops and reduces complexity.

Approach

Derive the formula or update rule, then compute the answer directly.

Handle edge cases like overflow or zero carefully.

Steps:

  • Identify the math relationship.
  • Compute the result with a loop or formula.
  • Handle edge cases.

Example

Input: nums = [34,23,1,24,75,33,54,8] Output: 0 Explanation: The minimal element is 1, and the sum of those digits is 1 which is odd, so the answer is 0.

Python Solution

class Solution: def sumOfDigits(self, nums: List[int]) -> int: x = min(nums) s = 0 while x: s += x % 10 x //= 10 return s & 1 ^ 1

Complexity

The time complexity is O(n) or O(1). The space complexity is O(1).

Edge Cases and Pitfalls

Watch for boundary values, empty inputs, and duplicate values where applicable. If the problem involves ordering or constraints, confirm the invariant is preserved at every step.

Summary

This Python solution focuses on the essential structure of the problem and keeps the implementation interview-friendly while meeting the constraints.


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