Leetcode #2097: Valid Arrangement of Pairs
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2097 Valid Arrangement of Pairs 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.
Problem Statement
You are given a 0-indexed 2D integer array pairs where pairs[i] = [starti, endi]. An arrangement of pairs is valid if for every index i where 1 <= i < pairs.length, we have endi-1 == starti.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Hard
- Premium: No
- Tags: Depth-First Search, Graph, Eulerian Circuit
Intuition
The data forms a graph, so we should explore nodes and edges systematically.
A traversal ensures we visit each node once while maintaining the needed state.
Approach
Build an adjacency list and traverse with BFS or DFS.
Aggregate results as you visit nodes.
Steps:
- Build the graph.
- Traverse with BFS/DFS.
- Accumulate the required output.
Example
Input: pairs = [[5,1],[4,5],[11,9],[9,4]]
Output: [[11,9],[9,4],[4,5],[5,1]]
Explanation:
This is a valid arrangement since endi-1 always equals starti.
end0 = 9 == 9 = start1
end1 = 4 == 4 = start2
end2 = 5 == 5 = start3
Python Solution
Complexity
The time complexity is O(V+E). The space complexity is O(V).
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.