Leetcode #747: Largest Number At Least Twice of Others
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #747 Largest Number At Least Twice of Others 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 where the largest integer is unique. Determine whether the largest element in the array is at least twice as much as every other number in the array.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Premium: No
- Tags: Array, Sorting
Intuition
Sorting reveals structure that is hard to see in the original order.
Once sorted, a linear scan is usually enough to compute the answer.
Approach
Sort the data and sweep through it while maintaining a small state.
This keeps the logic straightforward and reliable.
Steps:
- Sort the data.
- Scan in order while maintaining state.
- Update the best answer.
Example
Input: nums = [3,6,1,0]
Output: 1
Explanation: 6 is the largest integer.
For every other number in the array x, 6 is at least twice as big as x.
The index of value 6 is 1, so we return 1.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def dominantIndex(self, nums: List[int]) -> int:
x, y = nlargest(2, nums)
return nums.index(x) if x >= 2 * y else -1
Complexity
The time complexity is , where is the length of the array . 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.