Sagita_Phoenix's blog

Codeforces Round #983 (Div. 2)
By Sagita_Phoenix, history, 4 weeks ago, In English

Hello Codeforces!

$$$\newline$$$

From AkiLotus

It's been a while, today AkiLotus and I are delighted to invite you to participate in Codeforces Round 983 (Div. 2). This round will be rated for all participants with a rating lower than 2100.

Our round will start on Nov/01/2024 17:35 (Moscow time). You will be given 6 problems and 120 minutes to solve them.

This contest is a collaboration between AkiLotus, his friends and Code Mely, a Vietnamese community and an individual passionate about Computer Science. Reach out to us here.

Special thanks to:

$$$\newline$$$

Score distribution: $$$500 - 750 - 1250 - 1750 - 2250 - 3000$$$

Happy coding! Our chicken nuggets and Fubao bless you.

UPD1: Editorial is published.

UPD2: Congratulations to the winners!

Div. 1 + Div. 2:

  1. Nachia
  2. arvindf232
  3. peti1234
  4. turmax
  5. superguymj
  6. Rubikun
  7. ksun48
  8. potato167
  9. BurnedChicken
  10. Vincella

Div. 2 (official):

  1. Vincella
  2. SUPERLWR-beta
  3. BlackLily
  4. leolin0214
  5. TAIYANGFENG
  6. xiaowangba
  7. piasticOuO
  8. Nikephoros2Phocas
  9. SkyWave2024
  10. zsj6315

First solves:

  • Vote: I like it
  • +429
  • Vote: I do not like it

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

As an author, good luck.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

As a tester, good luck!

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it
As a tester
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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +13 Vote: I do not like it

Oops! I'll be at ICPC2024 Nanjing Ragional when the contest is scheduled. Hope I will be able to achieve Cu for my first ICPC contest, and good luck to everyone participating codeforces or ICPC~

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    all the best bro, mine online round is on 11 nov hope my team will qualify for the offline regionals round

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +27 Vote: I do not like it

As a taster, i tasted and the problems were indeed quite tasty

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

As a tester, good luck

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

As a tester, I hope you all enjoy this round and perform well to achieve the rank you truly deserve.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +23 Vote: I do not like it

As a tester, don't eat KFC before the contest if you can't tolerate spicy food.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +28 Vote: I do not like it

As a sauce preparer, I can confirm that the nuggets are very tasty!

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

As a tester, good luck :)

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +33 Vote: I do not like it

As an author, I'm honored to bring you the score distribution for this round. Good luck.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

That announce was made 8days ago mean 10day before contest. Seems like they are prepared...(Excited)

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

you forgot to thank Mike Mirzayanov.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

OMG Vietnamese round

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

While saving Cats and Dogs, We kept celebrating with Chickens Pigs and Goats. Hypocrite Humans.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

Good KFC.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +18 Vote: I do not like it

omg kuroni round

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +7 Vote: I do not like it

Damn.. did you guyz really forgot to thank our lord and saviour MikeMirzayanov...

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3 weeks ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

looking forward the result.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

    bro you ain't a tester, who are you trying to fool.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

As a contestant, how can I become a tester $$$??$$$

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +2 Vote: I do not like it

Mary skelter fan spotted omg

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Special thanks to KFC was what really hit me <3

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

Is KFC preparing a round?

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

Guys, my exam is starting in a month (I gave a practical exam today).

I have all of my syllabus to read.

Should I do this contest?

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

hope full solve

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

I think the team loves chicken nuggets more than their code :D

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +9 Vote: I do not like it

Pray that i solve atleast 1 problem(s) this time :')

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    Yo, this guy's my senior at the college and he freakin' wants to be unrated!

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

time to celebrate and rank up

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +13 Vote: I do not like it

If we write down all the red letters we get the word : Kangokutou Which is a term that is often used in Japanese literature and media to refer to isolated islands designated for imprisoning criminals, similar to the concept of Alcatraz Island in the United States. It may also appear in fictional works to evoke themes of isolation, confinement, and punishment SOS?

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

OMG This looks like a Halloween edition !!!!! :)

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +16 Vote: I do not like it

As a tester, I'm curious about AkiLotus's profile character

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    As a anime fan, I'm also curious..

    If this character is from an anime please tell me the name of the anime.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

    I hope I can officially announce her soon in a future round. ;)

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

as a 20yrs fan, kuroni orz

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

As a compiler, I cant complain.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

wish this contest will be interesting

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -86 Vote: I do not like it

I am writing to request that MikeMirzayanov postpone the contest, as it is Diwali in many regions of India today.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

    unfortunately the world doesn't revolve around India

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +20 Vote: I do not like it

    I am from India. And I am embarrassed seeing these kind of immature comments from people from India.

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it -12 Vote: I do not like it

      Haa kattue tujhe kya fark padega

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

        I am Hindu. And I am embarrassed seeing these kind of immature comments from people from our Religion.

        Btw, Belated Happy Diwali to you toooo !!!

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          3 weeks ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

          Happy Diwali, but what was so embarrassing when someone ask to postpone the contest?, this year during eid one guy asked to postpone the contest, and it was indeed postponed, but when I asked, I get hate from my own people.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    who cares

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3 weeks ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

return specialist?

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

good luck

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Good luck everybody!

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Goodluck for everyone

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

excited

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3 weeks ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

(D) is Mucho Texto

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

B had so many edge cases but atleast i solved it

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +19 Vote: I do not like it

Samples in C are useless

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    It's a trend ig, it's always been like this.

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    11 days ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    I don't get this. Care to explain yourself?

    I do believe the samples have covered most of the general idea of the problem, like what is being done in each operation and how the final criterion is visualized.

    If anything, I think I haven't yet explained too deep into how an operation sequence is invalid, but that should be the work of the Notes section, not the samples.

    And furthermore, I believe samples' purposes only stop at illustrating what the problem asks, not giving any insight of how to solve it (though the 4th sample was there as sort of a sanity check for you guys when coding).

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      5 days ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      Sorry for the late reply. I didn't like that in all the examples you can just sort the array and replace some prefix of the numbers with the largest number in the array. Because of this, the tests seemed monotonous to me.

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        5 days ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        Pretty sorry for the experience, but I still don't believe that is something possibly faultable. Again, the testset only needs to illustrate the exact specs of the problem's components (operation, validity, etc.), not hinting or distinguishing right and wrong approaches.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +7 Vote: I do not like it

time to touch grass

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

Ofcourse it is on us to read statement carefully, but it would have been so nice if the fact that we are given an identity permutation was clearly stated in Problem B. No way a problem with such a trivial solution has taken so much time for so many people to AC.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    how did you solve it?

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      my solution I think its simple ~~~~~

      int n,k;
    cin>>n>>k;
    if(n==1){
        if(k==1){
            cout<<1<<endl;
            cout<<1<<endl;
        }
        else cout<<-1<<endl;
        return;
    }
    if(k==n){
        cout<<-1<<endl;
        return;
    }
    if(k==1){
        cout<<-1<<endl;
        return;
    }
    if(k%2){
        cout<<5<<endl;
        if(k==n-1){
            cout<<-1<<endl;
            return;
        }
        cout<<1<<' '<<2<<' '<<k<<' '<<k+1<<' '<< n<<endl; 
        return;
    }
    cout<<3<<"\n";
    cout<<1<<' ';
    cout<<k<<' ';
    cout<<k+1<<endl;

      ~~~~~

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      since given array is identity permutation we can simply split the array into three parts $$$[1,..,k-1], [k], [k+1,...,n]$$$. Since everything in first subarray is smaller than $$$k$$$, its median is also smaler than $$$k$$$. Similarly median of the third subarray is greater than $$$k$$$. Now, for median of medians part we have only three numbers with one each on either side of $$$k$$$.
      Only edge case is that size of subarrays should be odd.
      $$$[k]$$$ is already odd.
      If $$$[1,...,k-1]$$$ is of even length then $$$[k+2,...,n]$$$ must also have even length (otherwise $$$even +1 + odd = even \neq parity(n)$$$. So just split them further into $$$[1]$$$ and $$$[2,...,k-1]$$$. Similarly split $$$[k+1,...,n]$$$ into $$$[k+1]$$$ and $$$[k+2,...,n]$$$ if need be.

      So you either split into $$$3$$$ subarrays or $$$5$$$ subarrays always. In both cases we have equal number of medians less than $$$k$$$ and greater than $$$k$$$, so overall median is still $$$k$$$.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +76 Vote: I do not like it

D is solvable with $$$n-3$$$ queries. We have to find the array $$$p$$$. After the first positive value $$$p$$$ is strictly increasing.

Iterating from $$$n-2$$$ to $$$1$$$ we can find $$$p_{n-1}$$$.

$$$p_{n-1}=i$$$ if the $$$(n-1, i)$$$ path doesn't cross $$$0$$$ for the first time.

After that we can do the same for $$$p_{n-2}$$$ iterating from $$$p_{n-1}-1$$$. And so on. Using the observation that node $$$1$$$ has exactly $$$2$$$ adjacent nodes we can save one more query.

Here is my solution: 289236088

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    did you know that function res() does not return?

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Is E really just a knowledge check on how to solve a system of equations for the specific matrix? Or is there an easy solution?

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

    just get the relation between v[i] and v[i+2] for all i and make them all non-negative by adding minimum value. then check whether it's valid

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

WAforces, I'm feeling -3 intel for making 4WAs in B and 1 WA in C

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

ABC was SpeedForces for me, but D was a great problem... too bad I couldn't solve it lol

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

WTF man why is my solution for C wrong?

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    hope this helps 289278230

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      What is your solution?

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        ← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

        Step_1: sort array a

        Step_2: binary search a[i] + a[i+1] in a. Called the result j for example (it infers the array a[i] a[i+1]... a[j] fits the problem requirement, every triplet will fit x+y>z etc.)

        result = n - max(step_2)

        UPD: seriously my code is simpler, just read it. It's 4-5 liner code only...

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it 
      int n; cin >> n;
  vi v = inp(n);
  sort(all(v));
  dbg(v);
  int i = n - 1;
  while (i > 0 && v[i - 1] + v[i] > v[n - 1]) i--;
  int j = 2;
  while (j < n && v[0] + v[1] > v[j]) j++;
  cout << min(i, n - j) << endl;

      could u tell why this approach fails? cant check the failing testcase

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        try this:

        2
6
1 2 2 3 3 4
7
3 3 4 5 6 7 7
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          3 weeks ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

          2 and 2 is the output

          which i believe is correct?

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            3 weeks ago, # ^ |
            ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

            correct, nvm

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              3 weeks ago, # ^ |
                Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

              i figured out that my code fails if there is a x + y <= z pattern in middle of array where i or j dont reach

              1 1 1 3 4 5 9 10 11 22 30

              i stops at 11 and j stops at 3 so res is 8 but correct res is 7 considering the correct seq to be 5 9 10 11 and changing the rest of the values

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Problem D gives correct answer on my compiler, but wrong answer on CF

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +24 Vote: I do not like it
After doing D
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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Was there an easy solution for C? I tried to memoize with both start and end index of sorted lengths and got TLE

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    Yes, Try to check for every position in a sorted array, If this was the minimum, how much are valid ?, it can be done in O(N*Log2(N))

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      Damn for C I boiled down to that all numbers revolve around median of the sorted array, so any number i.e. greater than median + 2 and any number smaller than median — 1 would be modified. Something like this, was not able to get it right for the sample test cases and time got over. Might be I was overthinking.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +2 Vote: I do not like it

    My approach:

    It is sufficient to ensure that a1 + a2 > mx, where a1 and a2 are the two smallest elements of the array, and mx is the largest.

    We can change the maximum element of the array. So, sort the array and iterate from the end. Let's stay mx1 = largest element, mx2 = second largest and so on...

    For each mxi, we find the number of operations required such that a1 + a2 > mxi. To do that, we find the first pair ai and ai+1 such that ai + ai+1 > mx, and number of operations is simply i - 1, as we must change all elements smaller than ai.

    The answer is min(op1, op2, ...), where opi = minimum number of operations for mxi

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      Implementation

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      But I saw n was in range 2*(1e5), I thought a N^2 algorithm would result in TLE, Im saying O(N^2) since you're checking for each

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        It can be done in Nlog(N). Check the implementation above. You can store v[i] + v[i+1] in an array, then to find the first pair with ai + ai+1 > mx, just find the upperbound of mx in this array.

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3 weeks ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +39 Vote: I do not like it

I think maybe I can't go to sleep tonight.

I practice very hard for two months, and I finally make it.

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

in B i thought there's actually an array given in the input :(

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3 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

How to solve E? Also Is it possible to construct the answer(operations) array from the final element (if we know the element which will be equal after the operations are done)?

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

    It should be something around difference array.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +13 Vote: I do not like it
    Hint 1
    Hint 2
    Hint 3
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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      What these operations can do is change any 2 elements by either of [+1, +1], [-1, -1], [+1. -1], [-1, +1] these operations. From these it will always be possible to make all the elements equal since n is odd. Is this correct? Can you explain Hint 3, I didn't get it.

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +15 Vote: I do not like it

        Sorry for the late reply (I went to sleep after posting the commnt :()

        Actually you only need the operation [+1,+1] or [-1,-1]. Let's define $$$inc(i,x) $$$ means that let $$$i,i+1$$$ both increase $$$x$$$ and $$$dec(i,x)$$$ for the same.

        Consider element $$$i $$$ and $$$i +1$$$,

        • If $$$a_i < a_{i +1}$$$, do $$$dec (i,a_i)$$$ so that $$$a_i = 0$$$.

        • Otherwise, do $$$inc(i+1, a_i)$$$ and now $$$a_i < a_{i +1}$$$.

        Keep doing it until there are only two non-zero number in the array and decrease them By there min so only one of them left.

        Now we have $$$n-1$$$ zeros and using $$$inc(i,\text{left_number})$$$ to make them equal.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

    The answer to your second question is yes. It is easy to construct the array of operations given the final state, since we just need to solve the linear system

    $$$ \begin{bmatrix} 2 & 1 & 0 & \cdots & 0 & 1\\ 1 & 2 & 1 & 0 & \cdots & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & \ddots & \ddots & \ddots & \vdots \\ \vdots & \ddots & \ddots & \ddots & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & \cdots & 0 & 1 & 2 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 & \cdots & 0 & 1 & 2 \\ \end{bmatrix} x=Mx=s-a $$$

    where $$$x_i$$$ is the number of times you applied the operation with index $$$i$$$, $$$a$$$ is the input and $$$s$$$ is a vector with the final state (in the problem all the entries of $$$s$$$ are the same however this method applies for every $$$s$$$). It is trivial to see that the $$$k$$$-th row of $$$M^{-1}$$$ is a cyclic shift by k of the upper row of $$$M^{-1}$$$, so you can solve this system easily with convolution/fft.

    However, for the problem itself there are way simpler solutions.

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      Can you explain a little detailed how to use FFT to solve such equations?

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
        ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +12 Vote: I do not like it

        Sure, for vector $$$v$$$, denote by $$$w_{v,i}$$$ the vector $$$v$$$ cyclically shifted by integer $$$i$$$.

        We know that

        $$$ M^{-1}= \begin{bmatrix} w_{v,0} \\ w_{v,1} \\ \vdots \\ w_{v,n-1} \end{bmatrix}. $$$

        To solve the system, just multiply $$$M^{-1}$$$ by $$$u=s-a$$$. Of course, you can't do this naively because it would be $$$\mathcal{O}(N^{2})$$$. However, notice that on the vector

        $$$ M^{-1}(s-a)= \begin{bmatrix} w_{v,0} \\ w_{v,1} \\ \vdots \\ w_{v,n-1} \end{bmatrix} u= \begin{bmatrix} w_{v,0} \cdot u \\ w_{v,1} \cdot u \\ \vdots \\ w_{v,n-1} \cdot u \end{bmatrix} (\star) $$$

        every single entry is the dot product of a certain cyclic shift of $$$v$$$ and $$$u$$$. If you consider a vector $$$r=\begin{bmatrix} v,v\end{bmatrix}$$$ then $$$(\star)$$$ is just some of the entries of the convolution of $$$r$$$ and $$$u$$$.

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      Could we use this to solve? It got me WA

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        The link you gave is for tridiagonal matrices, $$$M$$$ is not tridiagonal because of the "corner entries" $$$M_{0,n-1}$$$ and $$$M_{0,n-1}$$$.

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          3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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          Take a look at the Variants section, there is a solution for the matrix which is the same as in this problem.

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            3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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            Yes, you can solve with it, but you'll need to store the intermediate results as fractions instead of doing double division and then do a little bit of reconstruction on top of that to get the integer answer.

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            3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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            Then yes, you can solve it with that. I used fft because I am more used to it, but I would expect that there is a linear solution like the one described there.

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              3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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              It got me WA on test 6 however, though I copy pasted the whole function from wiki. It's hard to deal with precision here. Maybe FFT is more reliable in this situation.

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      Thanks for sharing. Will go through these concepts to get better at it.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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ACs on problem D rose drastically at the end._.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Can u tell me how to improve speed solving greedy problems? That's only stopping me from Expert

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      Write out some cases and see the pattern. That's quite a good strategy actually.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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damn i am not skilled at greedy problems at all...

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Greedy is hard. Especially the proof part.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Is there anyone who also used a[N] instead of a[2N] on Problem A to declare the array? Just wasted almost 0.5h on it and the unstable mindset finally results in the thorough collapse:(

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    How many you solved finally?

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      only ABC, and the "pretests accepted" solution of C is even submitted on the very last time of the round (only 10+ minutes left). I think at least I could solve 3~4 problems much quicker without this annoying bug:( But it's totally my own fault I have to admit, and nothing to accuse about the authors and the statements.

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        misread the question thought a[i] = a[j] only allowed if i <= j. Thought about the problem like this for half an hour. What a waste :(

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    I make other mistake of overthinking the problem. Also cost 0.5h

    After all the fog clears, it's just res_min = cnt1&1, res_max = min(cnt0, cnt1)

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      lol I've discovered the fun fact that it's exactly how CF Div.2 AB features. The solution is as easy as you could hardly believe, but if you fell into the trap of overthinking then it would just be rather complex or even impossible to solve

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        Might someday we will brave enough to rainboy the contest (doing problem in E-D-C-B-A order)

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        Very true. It's very hard to remain calm and "think simple" during contests. I always overcomplicate under pressure

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3 weeks ago, # |
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My E solution

Consider the difference array.

Let $$$d[i] = a[i] - a[(i-1) \mod n]$$$ (0-indexed).

We can see that the sum of $$$d[i]$$$ does not change. Thus, if the sum of $$$d[i]$$$ is not zero, there is no solution. Otherwise, we can always construct a solution.

Our target is to make $$$d[i] = 0$$$ for all $$$0 \leq i < n$$$.

An operation for $$$i$$$ (denoted as $$$\text{op}(i)$$$) is equivalent to: $$$d[i-1]++, d[i]++, d[i+1]--, d[i+2]--$$$ (mod $$$n$$$).

Merging operations:

$$$ \text{op}(i) + \text{op}(i+2) \implies d[i-1]++, d[i]++, d[i+3]--, d[i+4]-- $$$

Since $$$n$$$ is ODD, $$$\text{op}(i) + \text{op}(i+2) + \ldots + \text{op}(i-1)$$$ results in $$$d[i-1]++, d[i+1]--$$$.

Next, make $$$d[i-1]++, d[i+1]--$$$, then perform $$$d[i+1]++, d[i+3]--$$$, etc. to achieve $$$d[i]--, d[i-1]++$$$.

The implementation is painful. Can't finishit in the contest ;)

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Sum of $$$d_i$$$ is always $$$0$$$, so there always exists a solution for an input.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    it took me much time to arrive at this solution but the implementation is very simple 289836310

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3 weeks ago, # |
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What is the problem with me??? Every contest its one thing or the other.

Sometimes I am able to find out the solution of a problem but unable to implement it quickly. I figured out some solution for D. But I was unable to implement it properly in 40 mins. I was juggling between different approaches. How do I calm my mind and implement the solution first properly? Is it just the lack of practice and nervousness that gets to me or is there something wrong with my time management?

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    It's lack of confidence if you lose your focus on your own algorithm without a clear WA/TLE verdict.

    Practice daily to gain confidence. Confidence isn't grow by words mate.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    I had the same problem as you, and there is no trick. Just compete in more contests. Today i had solution for D in like 5 mins, but had no idea how to implement it, but i didnt panic and figured it out quite quickly after writing down some simple code. It all comes with experience, you cant speed it up.

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      I am unable to put my mind to focus..Its just that it keeps wandering here and there.

      I am really demotivated right now because it is happening repeatedly with me now. I find some solution during contest, it doesn't work. Just after the contest (when my brain knows the contest is over, there's no time limit) I submit it and get an AC within 10 mins. But in the last 30 mins of the contest ending, I am just unable to even debug my code properly.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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In problem D can any other node except root have degree more than 2?

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    no

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      Why?

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        cuz everything else is path thus they need to be a straight line, thus a degree of at max 2 for every node except 0.

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        1. Each node that was initially adjacent to the node 0 will be the end of some path. 2. A path is a tree whose vertices can be listed in the order v1,v2,…,vk such that the edges are (vi,vi+1) (1≤i<k ).

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        3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        If we remove root node 0 and all adjacent edges, this tree will turn into a forest consisting of only paths.

        think this through — can you figure out now?

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3 weeks ago, # |
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missed problem D cause i swaped 2 variables in my code bruh

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Thank you guys and Code Mely for the amazing contest!

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Please anyone can explain me 3rd question

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3 weeks ago, # |
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E has a cute trick. Write W[i] = V[i] + V[i+1]. https://mirror.codeforces.com/contest/2032/submission/289289897

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    So now we have an operation $$$[+1, +3, +3, +1]$$$, how is it easier?

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      A[i+1] + W[i] + W[i+1] = T differences, W[i+2] = W[i] + A[i+1] — A[i+2]. Say W[0] = w. Use above eqn to fill out W. Each W[i] = aw+b will have a=1. Sum all rows to find the real W[0] ("extra = ..." in the code)

      Now from W solve for V, its easier to solve the n equations W[i] = V[i] + V[i+1]

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3 weeks ago, # |
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The problems were mostly good ,the issue with D is it just gives away the solution because there are so many limitations(conditions) so you just implement it, and the difference between D and E is too huge.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Special thanks to everyone for They breathe oxygen. and seriously for you.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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it 's unrated.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Why is the result for this test case for problem C 1 and not 2?

1 1 1 2 Even if we replace the middle 1 with 2, then we get 1 2 1 2, and the triple 1 2 1 is degenerate.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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what is wrong with this solution for C? :

always check the two smallest numbers and if thier sum <= biggest number then replace the samllest with the biggest

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    you can also replace the biggest with the smallest

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Consider 1 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 10. Your code replaces all thr ones with 10, but you can also replace the 10 with 1

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    consider the case

    1, 1, 1, 1, 10.

    Is it better to replace the first 3 ones with a 10? or the last 10 with a one?

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Auto comment: topic has been updated by AkiLotus (previous revision, new revision, compare).

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3 weeks ago, # |
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For E, one can add $$$1$$$ to $$$a_i$$$ and $$$a_{i+1}$$$ equivalently by applying $$$\frac{n+1}{2}$$$ operations on $$$i+1,i+3,\dots,i-2,i$$$, and what remains is simple.

P.S. cf logout my account automatically before the contest start, so I thought I hadn't registered. MISS THE CHANCE TO BECOME MASTER AGAIN!!

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3 weeks ago, # |
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How to stop being stupid?

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3 weeks ago, # |
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finally got expert :)

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Can anyone teach me problem E?

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Can someone explain this. At problem C there is this part in test case 3 test line 13 and its like this : 4 1 1 2 3 The correct answer by the judge is 2 but if we remove 2 than that would mean no triplet. Can someone see to this or am I tripping. (the error : wrong answer 13th numbers differ — expected: '2', found: '1')

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    you need to replace, not remove. So after replace 1 1 to 3 3, we will get 4 3 3 2 3 which is the most optimal operation that satisfy the condition.

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      3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      Makes sense. I forgot that when I was making the solution on the paper I thought of it for one moment as removing since it would make it simpler and got carried out on it.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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top1codeforces is clearly using GPT. Why is he still getting first solves credits on A?

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Interesting. I actually didn't diagnose every code (relying on the submission order to credit), and I also didn't know how to distinguish LLM-generated code from regular ones. Would love some enlightenment, and if feeling solid enough, I could change it accordingly.

    (Might take a day or two however, it's midnight in my place right now)

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Mistook the operation ai += aj in C and got WA forever...

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3 weeks ago, # |
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I really enjoyed problem D, the first interactive problem I have ever solved during a contest

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3 weeks ago, # |
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int n; cin >> n;
  vi v = inp(n);
  sort(all(v));
  dbg(v);
  int i = n - 1;
  while (i > 0 && v[i - 1] + v[i] > v[n - 1]) i--;
  int j = 2;
  while (j < n && v[0] + v[1] > v[j]) j++;
  cout << min(i, n - j) << endl;

why exactly does this approach fail for C ? cant really see the testcase

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Thank you very much for the contest.

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3 weeks ago, # |
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My hack on problem F got Unexpected verdict, AkiLotus can you fix it please?

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Apparently a tester solution also failed your hack. I'm trying to work on it, thank you for pointing out.

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    3 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    The fix is done. I don't know if the hack could be redone though (I never saw such happen before), but I believe you could hack that solution again.

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2 weeks ago, # |
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Hi! I have received a message from the system that my submission 289199140 for 2032B - Medians coincides with 289209093. What should I do about this?

This was a relatively easy problem, and I won't be surprised if 10 other people have written the exact same code as mine. Will I be considered a cheater for this by CF now? How can I erase this suspiciousness on me?

This is the first time, I have received such a message. I hope this was the right place to post this comment.

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    2 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    I believe in the email/system message you received there is a link towards a blog that should be the receiving end for your appeal. (I see that you've already commented there, so perhaps be patient)

    Normally that was just a warning. Your solution wasn't skipped, which is seemingly (as far as I understand) an indicate that you are the first in the duplicating chain, thus not being disqualified. But to be certain, just prove to the admin (or at least tell them to take a look at the case) that you neither cheat nor leak your codes for other to cheat.

    Disclaimer for subsequent users: Usually we problemsetters don't involve in disqualifying you (I just provided the above advice based on my own understanding of the system). Do not ping me or any other of our team for similar request (coz we would also be clueless), please notify the right person.

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      2 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      Yes, I figured that I should comment on that blog. Thank you very much for your guidance.

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2 weeks ago, # |
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Hi MikeMirzayanov,

I'm writing this comment after recieving a message from the system that my solution 289214062 to problem 2032B - Medians coincides with lur100 solution 289274678.

After reviewing the profile of lur100 it's clear that this account is fake. This the standard solution for this problem (the author's solution: 289291698), the style of writing have some similarties as I don't use any templates or defines, and also have some differences like the tap size and writing if else, and it can be seen the differences between the styles with other submissions, for example: the solution of problem A in the same contest 289192610 vs 289197212.

If you also look at the submissions timing, while I was struggling with C and solved D, he was struggling with B and made two wrong submissions before the correct one.

Here is also some examples of a div.3 contest he participated and solved 2 problems while I participated virtually ans solved 7 problems, 283727862 vs 282258566 and 283728577 vs 282253457.

I have a friend whos account got blocked after he got this type of messages, and I don't want my 5-years profile to get blocked because of some misunderstanding and a fake account.

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    2 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    MikeMirzayanov

    I've the same thing here , with 

    Your solution 287793251 for the problem 2033E significantly coincides with solutions Harsh3304/287746817, Lean_Coding/287760531, Aditya__iit/287771991, MathModel/287793251

    though my code is also close to author's one.

    And I pointed out my thoughts

    Here

    I hope this being taken in consideration , I don't want to ping many times but no response so far.

    Moreover it's the same as 74TrAkToR's Submission

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2 weeks ago, # |
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First of all, I want to clarify that I completed this round entirely independently and did not use any online editors or share my code. I am also very surprised to find that my solution to Problem B matches that of another user.

I can provide the following evidence to clarify this situation:

Regarding my solution approach, I had a clear strategy from the start:

First, I considered invalid cases where n > 1 and either k = 1 or k = n, as these cases cause k to be a boundary and thus cannot be a median under any circumstances. For valid cases, I proceeded by analyzing k based on its parity. If k is even, I can treat k itself as an individual element in the array b, with two subarrays on its left and right, both of odd lengths, ensuring k can serve as a median. If k is odd, it requires at least three elements (an odd number) on either side to make k a median. The optimal approach here is to take the smallest odd number (3) so that k remains the median, with one side larger than k and the other smaller. Finally, I considered the special case when n = 1, which is straightforward. However, during my first submission, I missed handling this particular edge case due to insufficient local testing, causing an error on the first test case. I only corrected it and achieved the correct solution on my second submission. If this similarity were anything but coincidence, I believe it would have helped me avoid errors on Problem D, where I spent a long time stuck. I submitted twice unsuccessfully and only corrected my mistake on the following day after realizing I had misunderstood the problem requirements. Had I seen or copied another user’s code, I believe I would not have struggled as much with Problem D and would have solved it correctly during the competition.

Additionally, I have local files with modification timestamps, which include my code and test cases used locally.

I sincerely hope that the officials will review my case carefully and restore my account’s integrity. Thank you very much.

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2 weeks ago, # |
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I have also received a message from the system indicating that my solution, 289213653, for problem 2032B, coincides with the proven solution, 289197769 Of course I completed this round on my own. First of all, my solution is similar to the author's and represents the easiest way to implement the idea. Additionally, I have submitted the problem three times, each time changing my code. The first submission was made before the proven submission. The second and third submissions were made after it. Moreover, the proven and I solved different problems at different times. In summary, I hope the officials will consider my case and restore the integrity of my account. Thank you.

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2 weeks ago, # |
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Hi MikeMirzayanov Codeforces Round 983 (Div. 2) Problem A Submission id — 289192116 Problem B Submission id — 289214425 Problem C Submission id — 289265297

My problem A and B logic is same as authors solution just their is change in implementation. As logic was trivial their can be multiple implementation similar to mine. Earlier I had different logic with problem C in which I was applying binary search on min number of operations, you can also check by submission id 289242175. After that I had observation that rather than applying binary search on min number of operations we need to do it on longest length of subarray so I stick to that binary search logic. So my approach for binary search on longest length of subarray was correct many others can have thought of same logic but their implementation differs yet I received warning, your solution 289265297 for the problem 2032C significantly coincides with them.

Please look into matter and resolve my issue, as I participated contest individually.

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12 days ago, # |
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Recently I realized that my participation and solutions in this round were skipped due to the coincidence in my solution to problem 2032B - Medians with another contestant. I checked his solution and clearly the solutions match. I don't have access to his credentials and I don't even know him. I don't know or use ideone.com and I don't use AI code assistants in competitive programming. I think that in this specific problem this coincidence is not strange, maybe we followed the same reasoning, I don't know.

I hope this misunderstanding is resolved and my rating returns

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