Leetcode #437: Path Sum III
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #437 Path Sum III 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
Given the root of a binary tree and an integer targetSum, return the number of paths where the sum of the values along the path equals targetSum. The path does not need to start or end at the root or a leaf, but it must go downwards (i.e., traveling only from parent nodes to child nodes).
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Tree, Depth-First Search, Binary Tree
Intuition
We need to explore a structure deeply before backing up, which suits DFS.
DFS keeps local context on the call stack and is easy to implement recursively.
Approach
Define a recursive DFS that carries the necessary state.
Combine child results as the recursion unwinds.
Steps:
- Define a recursive DFS with state.
- Visit children and combine results.
- Return the final aggregation.
Example
Input: root = [10,5,-3,3,2,null,11,3,-2,null,1], targetSum = 8
Output: 3
Explanation: The paths that sum to 8 are shown.
Python Solution
# Definition for a binary tree node.
# class TreeNode:
# def __init__(self, val=0, left=None, right=None):
# self.val = val
# self.left = left
# self.right = right
class Solution:
def pathSum(self, root: Optional[TreeNode], targetSum: int) -> int:
def dfs(node, s):
if node is None:
return 0
s += node.val
ans = cnt[s - targetSum]
cnt[s] += 1
ans += dfs(node.left, s)
ans += dfs(node.right, s)
cnt[s] -= 1
return ans
cnt = Counter({0: 1})
return dfs(root, 0)
Complexity
The time complexity is , and the space complexity is , where is the number of nodes in the binary tree. The space complexity is , where is the number of nodes in the binary tree.
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.