Double a Number Represented as a Linked List — LeetCode 2816 Python Solution

MediumStackLinked ListMath
Problem
#2816
Reading time
5 min

The problem

You are given the head of a non-empty linked list representing a non-negative integer without leading zeroes. Return the head of the linked list after doubling it.

Example

Input
head = [1,8,9]
Output
[3,7,8]
Explanation
The figure above corresponds to the given linked list which represents the number 189. Hence, the returned linked list represents the number 189 * 2 = 378.

Python solution

Python
# Definition for singly-linked list.
# class ListNode:
#     def __init__(self, val=0, next=None):
#         self.val = val
#         self.next = next
class Solution:
    def doubleIt(self, head: Optional[ListNode]) -> Optional[ListNode]:
        def reverse(head):
            dummy = ListNode()
            cur = head
            while cur:
                next = cur.next
                cur.next = dummy.next
                dummy.next = cur
                cur = next
            return dummy.next

        head = reverse(head)
        dummy = cur = ListNode()
        mul, carry = 2, 0
        while head:
            x = head.val * mul + carry
            carry = x // 10
            cur.next = ListNode(x % 10)
            cur = cur.next
            head = head.next
        if carry:
            cur.next = ListNode(carry)
        return reverse(dummy.next)

Complexity

MeasureComplexity
TimeO(n)
SpaceO(1) auxiliary

Pattern: Linked List

Rewire pointers in place, with a dummy head and a saved next to keep it safe. LeetCode 2816. Double a Number Represented as a Linked List is filed here because LeetCode tags it Linked List, which is the vocabulary this hub collects.

The linked list guide has the Python template for the pattern and the 75 LeetCode problems that use it.

Related problems

Frequently asked questions

How hard is LeetCode 2816. Double a Number Represented as a Linked List?
LeetCode 2816. Double a Number Represented as a Linked List is rated Medium on LeetCode.
What is the time complexity of LeetCode 2816. Double a Number Represented as a Linked List?
The Python solution on this page runs in O(n).
What is the space complexity of LeetCode 2816. Double a Number Represented as a Linked List?
The Python solution on this page uses O(1) auxiliary space.
What topics does LeetCode 2816. Double a Number Represented as a Linked List cover?
LeetCode 2816. Double a Number Represented as a Linked List is tagged Stack, Linked List and Math 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