Get the Maximum Score — LeetCode 1537 Python Solution

HardGreedyArrayTwo PointersDynamic Programming
Problem
#1537
Reading time
4 min

The problem

You are given two sorted arrays of distinct integers nums1 and nums2. A valid path is defined as follows: Choose array nums1 or nums2 to traverse (from index-0).

Example

Input
nums1 = [2,4,5,8,10], nums2 = [4,6,8,9]
Output
30
Explanation
Valid paths:

Python solution

Python
class Solution:
    def maxSum(self, nums1: List[int], nums2: List[int]) -> int:
        mod = 10**9 + 7
        m, n = len(nums1), len(nums2)
        i = j = 0
        f = g = 0
        while i < m or j < n:
            if i == m:
                g += nums2[j]
                j += 1
            elif j == n:
                f += nums1[i]
                i += 1
            elif nums1[i] < nums2[j]:
                f += nums1[i]
                i += 1
            elif nums1[i] > nums2[j]:
                g += nums2[j]
                j += 1
            else:
                f = g = max(f, g) + nums1[i]
                i += 1
                j += 1
        return max(f, g) % mod

Complexity

MeasureComplexity
TimeO(n) (after optional sort O(n log n))
SpaceO(1) auxiliary

Pattern: Two Pointers

Use the order already in the input to discard half the search space at every step. LeetCode 1537. Get the Maximum Score is filed here because LeetCode tags it Two Pointers, which is the vocabulary this hub collects.

The two pointers guide has the Python template for the pattern and the 201 LeetCode problems that use it.

Related problems

Frequently asked questions

How hard is LeetCode 1537. Get the Maximum Score?
LeetCode 1537. Get the Maximum Score is rated Hard on LeetCode.
What is the time complexity of LeetCode 1537. Get the Maximum Score?
The Python solution on this page runs in O(n) (after optional sort O(n log n)).
What is the space complexity of LeetCode 1537. Get the Maximum Score?
The Python solution on this page uses O(1) auxiliary space.
What topics does LeetCode 1537. Get the Maximum Score cover?
LeetCode 1537. Get the Maximum Score is tagged Greedy, Array, Two Pointers and Dynamic Programming on LeetCode.

Stuck on problems like this in a live interview?

Stealth Interview is a desktop app for macOS and Windows. It reads the problem off your screen and returns a working solution with a step-by-step explanation and its time and space complexity — invisible to screen sharing.

Get Stealth Interview