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Solution: Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix

Explore how to apply the k-way merge pattern using a min-heap to find the kth smallest element in a sorted matrix. Understand the step-by-step process of merging rows as sorted lists and analyze the algorithm's time and space complexity for optimal coding interview solutions.

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
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