Leetcode #2961: Double Modular Exponentiation
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2961 Double Modular Exponentiation 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 array variables where variables[i] = [ai, bi, ci, mi], and an integer target. An index i is good if the following formula holds: 0 <= i < variables.length ((aibi % 10)ci) % mi == target Return an array consisting of good indices in any order.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Array, Math, Simulation
Intuition
There is a mathematical invariant or formula that directly leads to the result.
Using math avoids unnecessary loops and reduces complexity.
Approach
Derive the formula or update rule, then compute the answer directly.
Handle edge cases like overflow or zero carefully.
Steps:
- Identify the math relationship.
- Compute the result with a loop or formula.
- Handle edge cases.
Example
Input: variables = [[2,3,3,10],[3,3,3,1],[6,1,1,4]], target = 2
Output: [0,2]
Explanation: For each index i in the variables array:
1) For the index 0, variables[0] = [2,3,3,10], (23 % 10)3 % 10 = 2.
2) For the index 1, variables[1] = [3,3,3,1], (33 % 10)3 % 1 = 0.
3) For the index 2, variables[2] = [6,1,1,4], (61 % 10)1 % 4 = 2.
Therefore we return [0,2] as the answer.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def getGoodIndices(self, variables: List[List[int]], target: int) -> List[int]:
return [
i
for i, (a, b, c, m) in enumerate(variables)
if pow(pow(a, b, 10), c, m) == target
]
Complexity
The time complexity is , where is the length of the array ; and is the maximum value in and , in this problem . 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.