CustomCC0-1.0#cp0171700
Minimum Lexicographic Merge
Summary
- •Phase 5 / heap, lex order, merge
- •Reasoning-first competitive programming drill
Problem Description
Given k sorted arrays of integers, merge them into a single array of size n (sum of lengths), such that the merged array is lexicographically minimal.
How to read this problem in plain language:
- This is a Phase 5 reasoning drill focused on heap, lex order, merge.
- Typical lenses to test first: heap, merge, lexicographic.
- Constraints reminder: 1 ≤ 1 ≤ sum
Mini examples for mental simulation:
1) Boundary example: Describe why this case is tricky. Explain expected behavior and why naive logic may fail.
2) Adversarial example: Adversarial case where naive greedy/local decision looks correct but fails globally.
Lite-mode writing target:
- Write 1~2 observations that shrink the search space.
- Name one final algorithm and state target complexity explicitly.
- Validate with at least 2 edge cases and one hand simulation.
Constraints
- •1 ≤ 1 ≤ sum
Analysis
Key Insight
Use this hint to refine your reasoning. This step should reduce search space or formalize correctness. State why this insight changes your algorithm choice.
heapmergelexicographic