Smallest String With A Given Numeric Value — LeetCode 1663 Python Solution

The problem

The numeric value of a lowercase character is defined as its position (1-indexed) in the alphabet, so the numeric value of a is 1, the numeric value of b is 2, the numeric value of c is 3, and so on. The numeric value of a string consisting of lowercase characters is defined as the sum of its characters' numeric values.

Example

Input

n = 3, k = 27

Output

"aay"

Explanation

The numeric value of the string is 1 + 1 + 25 = 27, and it is the smallest string with such a value and length equal to 3.

Python solution

class Solution:
    def getSmallestString(self, n: int, k: int) -> str:
        ans = ['a'] * n
        i, d = n - 1, k - n
        while d > 25:
            ans[i] = 'z'
            d -= 25
            i -= 1
        ans[i] = chr(ord(ans[i]) + d)
        return ''.join(ans)

Complexity

Pattern: Greedy

Take the locally best option every time — when you can prove that never costs you later. LeetCode 1663. Smallest String With A Given Numeric Value is filed here on both counts: the reference solution below belongs to the algorithm family this hub collects, and LeetCode tags it Greedy.

The greedy guide has the Python template for the pattern and the 346 LeetCode problems that use it.

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