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Problem: Smallest Range Covering Elements from K Lists

hard
40 min
Understand how to find the smallest range that contains at least one element from each of the given k sorted lists. Explore the problem definition, constraints, and develop solutions using heaps to efficiently select the top elements and determine the smallest range.

Statement

You are given kk sorted lists of integers, nums, where each list in nums is in non-decreasing order. Your task is to find the smallest range that contains at least one element from each of the kk lists.

A range [a,b][a,b] is considered smaller than another range [c,d][c,d] if ba<dcb−a<d−c, or a<ca < c if ba==dcb-a==d-c.

Constraints:

  • nums.length ==k== k

  • 1<=k<=1001 <= k <= 100

  • 11 \leq nums[i].length 50\leq 50

  • 103-10^3 \leq nums[i][j] 103\leq10^3

  • nums[i] is sorted in a non-decreasing order.

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Tap here to switch tabs
Problem
Submissions

Problem: Smallest Range Covering Elements from K Lists

hard
40 min
Understand how to find the smallest range that contains at least one element from each of the given k sorted lists. Explore the problem definition, constraints, and develop solutions using heaps to efficiently select the top elements and determine the smallest range.

Statement

You are given kk sorted lists of integers, nums, where each list in nums is in non-decreasing order. Your task is to find the smallest range that contains at least one element from each of the kk lists.

A range [a,b][a,b] is considered smaller than another range [c,d][c,d] if ba<dcb−a<d−c, or a<ca < c if ba==dcb-a==d-c.

Constraints:

  • nums.length ==k== k

  • 1<=k<=1001 <= k <= 100

  • 11 \leq nums[i].length 50\leq 50

  • 103-10^3 \leq nums[i][j] 103\leq10^3

  • nums[i] is sorted in a non-decreasing order.

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