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CP Pattern Recognition

The document outlines steps to recognize patterns in competitive programming, emphasizing common problem-solving techniques such as brute force, sorting with greedy methods, and sliding window approaches. It suggests a structured practice regimen, starting from basic concepts to solving progressively harder problems. Additionally, it advises recognizing constraints to determine the appropriate algorithmic approach for different problem sizes.

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102 views1 page

CP Pattern Recognition

The document outlines steps to recognize patterns in competitive programming, emphasizing common problem-solving techniques such as brute force, sorting with greedy methods, and sliding window approaches. It suggests a structured practice regimen, starting from basic concepts to solving progressively harder problems. Additionally, it advises recognizing constraints to determine the appropriate algorithmic approach for different problem sizes.

Uploaded by

rahul24.h2
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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How to Recognize Patterns in Competitive Programming

Recognizing patterns in problems is one of the biggest skills in CP. Here's how you can develop it step by step.

1■■ Learn Common Problem Patterns

Most problems follow some common tricks, techniques, and algorithms:

■ Brute Force vs. Optimization


- If the constraints are small (n ≤ 10^3), brute force (O(n²) or O(n³)) might work.
- If n is large (10^5 or more), you likely need O(n log n) or O(n) solutions.

■ Sorting + Greedy
- If the problem involves minimizing/maximizing a value, sorting first often helps.
- Example: Given a list of events and a budget, maximize the number of events attended.
- Sorting by cost and using a greedy approach is often correct.

■ Sliding Window / Two Pointers


- If a problem asks for subarrays or contiguous elements efficiently, think of Sliding Window or Two Pointers.
- Example: Find the longest subarray with sum ≤ X.
- A brute-force O(n²) approach is slow.
- Sliding Window O(n) works better.

■ Binary Search on Answer


- If a problem asks for min/max possible value, think of Binary Search on Answer.
- Example: Find the smallest `x` such that `x` satisfies a condition.
- Instead of checking all values, binary search for `x`.

■ Graph Problems
- If a problem mentions "shortest path" → Dijkstra / BFS.
- If a problem mentions "connected components" → DFS / Union-Find.
- If a problem is about finding a cycle → DFS with cycle detection.

2■■ Build Pattern Recognition by Practicing Topic-Wise

■ Step 1: Learn the Basic Concept


- Read tutorials, watch videos, and understand the theory.

■ Step 2: Solve 5-10 Easy Problems on the Topic


- Example: If you learn Binary Search, solve 5-10 problems (800-1200 rating).

■ Step 3: Solve 2-3 Medium Problems


- Solve 1200-1400 rated problems on the same topic.

■ Step 4: Solve 1-2 Hard Problems


- Try 1400-1600 rated problems. If you struggle, check hints/editorials.

3■■ Train Your Brain to Recognize Similarities

■ 1. Observe Constraints First


- If n ≤ 10^5 or more, avoid O(n²) solutions.
- If n ≤ 10 or very small, brute force (O(n!) or O(2■)) is okay.

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