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Missing Number

Explore how to apply the cyclic sort pattern to find the missing number in a distinct array within a defined range. This lesson helps you understand problem constraints, use logical sequencing to grasp the problem fully, and implement an efficient solution to detect the missing element. Gain practical experience coding in JavaScript while reinforcing pattern recognition for interview success.

Statement

Given an array, nums, containing nn distinct numbers in the range [0,n][0, n], return the only number in the range that is missing from the array.

Constraints:

  • n=n = nums.length
  • 1n1031 \leq n \leq 10^3
  • 00 \leq nums[i] n\leq n
  • There are no duplicates in the array.

Examples

Understand the problem

Let’s take a moment to make sure you’ve correctly understood the problem. The quiz below helps you check if you’re solving the correct problem:

Missing Number

1.

What would be the output if the following array is given as input?

[0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 3, 9, 5, 10]

A.

11

B.

2

C.

1

D.

3


1 / 3

Figure it out!

We have a game for you to play. Rearrange the logical building blocks to develop a clearer understanding of how to solve this problem.

Sequence - Vertical
Drag and drop the cards to rearrange them in the correct sequence.

1
2
3
4
5

Try it yourself

Implement your solution in main.js in the following coding playground. The supporting code template provided in traversal.js is meant to assist in developing your solution to the problem.

JavaScript
usercode > main.js
import Traversal from './traversal.js'
export function findMissingNumber(nums){
// Your code will replace this placeholder return statement
return -1
}
Missing Number