Is Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number easy or hard?

The problem is classified as Easy. It focuses on fundamental skills such as array iteration, tracking a minimum value, and performing basic arithmetic on digits. Most candidates can solve it with a straightforward O(n) scan.

Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number Python/Java solution

The implementation is identical across languages: scan the array to compute the minimum value, calculate the digit sum using repeated division and modulus operations, then return 1 if the sum is even or 0 otherwise. Python, Java, C++, and Go implementations follow the same O(n) logic.

How to solve Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number in O(n)?

Iterate through the array and maintain a variable that tracks the smallest value seen so far. Once the minimum is found, repeatedly extract digits using modulus (num % 10) and divide by 10 to accumulate the digit sum. If the sum is even return 1, otherwise return 0. This avoids sorting and keeps the runtime linear.

What is the best approach for Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number?

The best approach is a single-pass scan of the array to find the minimum element, followed by computing the sum of its digits. This method runs in O(n) time and O(1) space. After calculating the digit sum, check whether it is even to decide whether to return 1 or 0.

Is Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number asked at Google/Amazon/Meta?

This problem is categorized as Easy and mainly tests basic array traversal and digit manipulation. While the exact question is less common in top-tier interviews, the underlying concepts—finding minimum values and performing digit operations—frequently appear in screening rounds.

What data structure is used in Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number?

The primary data structure is an array. The algorithm performs a linear scan to find the minimum element and then applies mathematical digit extraction on that value. No additional data structures such as hash maps or stacks are required.

What is the time complexity of Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number?

The optimal solution runs in O(n) time because it scans the array once to find the minimum value. Computing the digit sum of the minimum number takes O(d) where d is the number of digits, which is constant for typical integer ranges. Overall complexity remains O(n) with O(1) extra space.

Description Hints 4 Solution Video 7:25

1085. Sum of Digits in the Minimum Number

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Given an integer array nums, return 0 if the sum of the digits of the minimum integer in nums is odd, or 1 otherwise.

Example 1:

Input: nums = [34,23,1,24,75,33,54,8]
Output: 0
Explanation: The minimal element is 1, and the sum of those digits is 1 which is odd, so the answer is 0.

Example 2:

Input: nums = [99,77,33,66,55]
Output: 1
Explanation: The minimal element is 33, and the sum of those digits is 3 + 3 = 6 which is even, so the answer is 1.

Constraints:

1 <= nums.length <= 100
1 <= nums[i] <= 100

Asked at 1 company

Amazon

Topics

Array Math

Hints open one at a time

Hint 1

How to find the minimum number in an array?

Hint 2

Loop over the array and compare each one of the numbers.

Hint 3

How to find the sum of digits?

Hint 4

Divide the number consecutively and get their remainder modulus 10. Sum those remainders and return the answer as the problem asks.

7:25

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