Leetcode #654: Maximum Binary Tree
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #654 Maximum Binary Tree 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 an integer array nums with no duplicates. A maximum binary tree can be built recursively from nums using the following algorithm: Create a root node whose value is the maximum value in nums.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Stack, Tree, Array, Divide and Conquer, Binary Tree, Monotonic Stack
Intuition
We need the next greater or smaller element efficiently, which is exactly what a monotonic stack offers.
Each element is pushed and popped at most once, yielding a linear-time scan.
Approach
Maintain a stack that is either increasing or decreasing, depending on the query.
When the invariant is broken, pop and resolve answers for those indices.
Steps:
- Scan elements once.
- Pop while the monotonic condition is violated.
- Use stack indices to update answers.
Example
Input: nums = [3,2,1,6,0,5]
Output: [6,3,5,null,2,0,null,null,1]
Explanation: The recursive calls are as follow:
- The largest value in [3,2,1,6,0,5] is 6. Left prefix is [3,2,1] and right suffix is [0,5].
- The largest value in [3,2,1] is 3. Left prefix is [] and right suffix is [2,1].
- Empty array, so no child.
- The largest value in [2,1] is 2. Left prefix is [] and right suffix is [1].
- Empty array, so no child.
- Only one element, so child is a node with value 1.
- The largest value in [0,5] is 5. Left prefix is [0] and right suffix is [].
- Only one element, so child is a node with value 0.
- Empty array, so no child.
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 constructMaximumBinaryTree(self, nums: List[int]) -> Optional[TreeNode]:
def dfs(nums):
if not nums:
return None
val = max(nums)
i = nums.index(val)
root = TreeNode(val)
root.left = dfs(nums[:i])
root.right = dfs(nums[i + 1 :])
return root
return dfs(nums)
Complexity
The time complexity is O(n). The space complexity is O(n).
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.