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Problem: Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix

Medium
30 min
Explore how to identify the kth smallest element in an n by n sorted matrix by using the k-way merge pattern. Understand how to handle sorted rows and columns with potential duplicates, and implement an efficient solution with coding practice in Python.

Statement

Find the kthk^{th} smallest element in an (n×n)(n \times n) matrix, where each row and column of the matrix is sorted in ascending order.

Although there can be repeating values in the matrix, each element is considered unique and, therefore, contributes to calculating the kthk^{th} smallest element.

Constraints:

  • n ==== matrix.length
  • n ==== matrix[i].length
  • 11\leq n 100\leq100
  • 103-10^3\leq matrix[i][j] 103\leq10^3
  • 11\leq k n2\leq n^2
Problem
Ask
Submissions

Problem: Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix

Medium
30 min
Explore how to identify the kth smallest element in an n by n sorted matrix by using the k-way merge pattern. Understand how to handle sorted rows and columns with potential duplicates, and implement an efficient solution with coding practice in Python.

Statement

Find the kthk^{th} smallest element in an (n×n)(n \times n) matrix, where each row and column of the matrix is sorted in ascending order.

Although there can be repeating values in the matrix, each element is considered unique and, therefore, contributes to calculating the kthk^{th} smallest element.

Constraints:

  • n ==== matrix.length
  • n ==== matrix[i].length
  • 11\leq n 100\leq100
  • 103-10^3\leq matrix[i][j] 103\leq10^3
  • 11\leq k n2\leq n^2