Leetcode #375: Guess Number Higher or Lower II
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #375 Guess Number Higher or Lower II 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
We are playing the Guessing Game. The game will work as follows: I pick a number between 1 and n.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Math, Dynamic Programming, Game Theory
Intuition
The problem breaks into overlapping subproblems, so caching results prevents exponential repetition.
A carefully chosen DP state captures exactly what we need to build the final answer.
Approach
Define the DP state and recurrence, then compute states in the correct order.
Optionally compress space once the recurrence is clear.
Steps:
- Choose a DP state definition.
- Write the recurrence and base cases.
- Compute states in the correct order.
Example
Input: n = 10
Output: 16
Explanation: The winning strategy is as follows:
- The range is [1,10]. Guess 7.
- If this is my number, your total is $0. Otherwise, you pay $7.
- If my number is higher, the range is [8,10]. Guess 9.
- If this is my number, your total is $7. Otherwise, you pay $9.
- If my number is higher, it must be 10. Guess 10. Your total is $7 + $9 = $16.
- If my number is lower, it must be 8. Guess 8. Your total is $7 + $9 = $16.
- If my number is lower, the range is [1,6]. Guess 3.
- If this is my number, your total is $7. Otherwise, you pay $3.
- If my number is higher, the range is [4,6]. Guess 5.
- If this is my number, your total is $7 + $3 = $10. Otherwise, you pay $5.
- If my number is higher, it must be 6. Guess 6. Your total is $7 + $3 + $5 = $15.
- If my number is lower, it must be 4. Guess 4. Your total is $7 + $3 + $5 = $15.
- If my number is lower, the range is [1,2]. Guess 1.
- If this is my number, your total is $7 + $3 = $10. Otherwise, you pay $1.
- If my number is higher, it must be 2. Guess 2. Your total is $7 + $3 + $1 = $11.
The worst case in all these scenarios is that you pay $16. Hence, you only need $16 to guarantee a win.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def getMoneyAmount(self, n: int) -> int:
f = [[0] * (n + 1) for _ in range(n + 1)]
for i in range(n - 1, 0, -1):
for j in range(i + 1, n + 1):
f[i][j] = j + f[i][j - 1]
for k in range(i, j):
f[i][j] = min(f[i][j], max(f[i][k - 1], f[k + 1][j]) + k)
return f[1][n]
Complexity
The time complexity is O(n·m) (typical). The space complexity is O(n·m) or optimized.
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.