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Problem: First Missing Positive

hard
40 min
Explore how to find the smallest missing positive integer in an unsorted array by applying cyclic sort principles. This lesson helps you understand problem constraints, develop an O(n) time complexity solution, and implement an in-place algorithm using constant space.

Statement

Given an unsorted integer array, nums, return the smallest missing positive integer. Create an algorithm that runs with an O(n)O(n) time complexity and utilizes a constant amount of space.

Note: The smallest missing positive isn’t the first positive number that’s missing in the range of elements in the input, but the first positive number that’s missing if we start from 11.

Constraints:

  • 11 \leq nums.length 105\leq 10^5

  • 231-2^{31} \leq nums[i] 2311\leq 2^{31} - 1

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Tap here to switch tabs
Problem
Submissions

Problem: First Missing Positive

hard
40 min
Explore how to find the smallest missing positive integer in an unsorted array by applying cyclic sort principles. This lesson helps you understand problem constraints, develop an O(n) time complexity solution, and implement an in-place algorithm using constant space.

Statement

Given an unsorted integer array, nums, return the smallest missing positive integer. Create an algorithm that runs with an O(n)O(n) time complexity and utilizes a constant amount of space.

Note: The smallest missing positive isn’t the first positive number that’s missing in the range of elements in the input, but the first positive number that’s missing if we start from 11.

Constraints:

  • 11 \leq nums.length 105\leq 10^5

  • 231-2^{31} \leq nums[i] 2311\leq 2^{31} - 1

Unlock AI-Powered LearningUpgrade to smarter learning with instant explanations of Ask Agent, Personalized Interview Prep, Real-World Projects, 3 AI Mock Interviews per month, and Personalized Paths