LeetCode Python Solutions: 414. Third Maximum Number #coding #python

ZeroStress LeetCode Python Solutions: 414. Third Maximum Number #coding #python #leetcode

Welcome, everyone, to our tutorial on solving the '414. Third Maximum Number' problem on LeetCode! In this tutorial, we will explore two different solutions that provide different approaches to tackle this problem efficiently. The 'Third Maximum Number' problem asks us to find the third distinct maximum number in a given array, or return the maximum if the third maximum does not exist.

In this tutorial, we will discuss and analyze two solutions, Solution 1 and Solution 2, to help you gain a deeper understanding of the problem-solving techniques involved. Both solutions are valid and provide different insights into solving the problem. By examining both approaches, you'll be able to compare and contrast their strengths and weaknesses, and learn the trade-offs between time complexity and space complexity.

Solution 1 utilizes a variable tracking mechanism to keep track of the three maximum values. It iterates through the input array, updating the variables accordingly to find the first, second, and third maximum values. This solution has a linear time complexity of O(n) and a constant space complexity of O(1).

On the other hand, Solution 2 makes use of set operations and sorting. It first creates a set of unique elements from the input array, and then sorts the set in descending order. Finally, it returns the element at the index 2 as the third maximum. This solution has a time complexity of O(n log n) due to the sorting operation, and a space complexity of O(n) to store the set and sorted list.

Throughout this tutorial, we will dissect each line of code in both solutions, explaining the syntax, mechanisms, algorithms, semantics, and logic behind the scenes. By understanding the key concepts and the intuition behind these solutions, you will gain valuable insights into problem-solving techniques and how to optimize your code for time and space efficiency.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge and skills to approach similar problems on LeetCode and enhance your problem-solving abilities. So, let's dive in and explore these solutions in detail. Together, we'll unravel the intricacies of the '414. Third Maximum Number' problem and discover the art of efficient coding.

Let's begin the journey to mastering LeetCode problem-solving techniques!
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03:20 Main
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To determine which solution is better, let's compare Solution 1 and Solution 2 for the "Third Maximum Number" problem:

Solution 1:

Time Complexity: O(n) - linear time complexity, where n is the length of the input array nums. This is because the solution iterates through the array once.
Space Complexity: O(1) - constant space complexity, as it uses a fixed number of variables (first, second, and third) regardless of the input size.
Solution 2:

Time Complexity: O(n log n) - The time complexity is dominated by the sorting operation, which has a time complexity of O(n log n) for n elements in the array. Additionally, there is a set operation that takes O(n) time.
Space Complexity: O(n) - The set operation creates a set with unique elements from nums, which takes O(n) space. Additionally, the sorted result is stored in a list, taking additional O(n) space.
Based on the time and space complexities, Solution 1 is generally better than Solution 2. Solution 1 has a more efficient time complexity of O(n) compared to Solution 2's O(n log n). Moreover, Solution 1 has a constant space complexity of O(1) while Solution 2 requires O(n) space due to the set and sorted operations.

In terms of performance and efficiency, Solution 1 is preferable over Solution 2 for the "Third Maximum Number" problem.