Leetcode #2303: Calculate Amount Paid in Taxes
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2303 Calculate Amount Paid in Taxes 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 brackets where brackets[i] = [upperi, percenti] means that the ith tax bracket has an upper bound of upperi and is taxed at a rate of percenti. The brackets are sorted by upper bound (i.e.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Premium: No
- Tags: Array, Simulation
Intuition
The rules are explicit, so simulating the process step by step is safest.
Careful state updates prevent subtle bugs.
Approach
Translate the rules into state updates and apply them in order.
Track the final state or aggregate as required.
Steps:
- Translate rules into state updates.
- Iterate for each step.
- Return the final state.
Example
Input: brackets = [[3,50],[7,10],[12,25]], income = 10
Output: 2.65000
Explanation:
Based on your income, you have 3 dollars in the 1st tax bracket, 4 dollars in the 2nd tax bracket, and 3 dollars in the 3rd tax bracket.
The tax rate for the three tax brackets is 50%, 10%, and 25%, respectively.
In total, you pay $3 * 50% + $4 * 10% + $3 * 25% = $2.65 in taxes.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def calculateTax(self, brackets: List[List[int]], income: int) -> float:
ans = prev = 0
for upper, percent in brackets:
ans += max(0, min(income, upper) - prev) * percent
prev = upper
return ans / 100
Complexity
The time complexity is , where is the length of brackets. The space complexity is .
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.