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How to Solve Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick Problem
Master the Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.
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Start Free for WindowsHard#1547
LeetCode ProblemMinimum Cost to Cut a Stick
Given a wooden stick of length n units. The stick is labelled from 0 to n. For example, a stick of length 6 is labelled as follows: Given an integer array cuts where cuts[i] denotes a position you should perform a cut at. You should perform the cuts in order, you can change the order of the cuts as you wish. The cost of one cut is the length of the stick to be cut, the total cost is the sum of costs of all cuts. When you cut a stick, it will be split into two smaller sticks (i.e. the sum of their lengths is the length of the stick before the cut). Please refer to the first example for a better explanation. Return the minimum total cost of the cuts.
ArrayDynamic ProgrammingSorting
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Problem Breakdown
Understanding the Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
Given a wooden stick of length n units. The stick is labelled from 0 to n. For example, a stick of length 6 is labelled as follows: Given an integer array cuts where cuts[i] denotes a position you should perform a cut at. You should perform the cuts in order, you can change the order of the cuts as you wish. The cost of one cut is the length of the stick to be cut, the total cost is the sum of costs of all cuts. When you cut a stick, it will be split into two smaller sticks (i.e. the sum of their lengths is the length of the stick before the cut). Please refer to the first example for a better explanation. Return the minimum total cost of the cuts.
HardProblem #1547
LeetCodeMinimum Cost to Cut a Stick
Related Topics
ArrayDynamic ProgrammingSorting
How Phantom Code Helps
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Examples
# Example 1
Input
n = 7, cuts = [1,3,4,5]
Output
16
# Example 2
Input
n = 9, cuts = [5,6,1,4,2]
Output
22
Constraints
2 <= n <= 106
1 <= cuts.length <= min(n - 1, 100)
1 <= cuts[i] <= n - 1
All the integers in cuts array are distinct.
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Solve Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick — Given a wooden stick of length n units. The stick is labelled from 0 to n. For e...
Here's the optimal approach using Array:
def solve(input):
# Optimal O(n) solution
return result
Time: O(n) | Space: O(n)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about solving Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.
How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick during interviews?
Phantom Code generates complete solutions instantly with proper complexity analysis, letting you focus on explaining your approach and demonstrating problem-solving skills rather than getting stuck on implementation details during high-pressure situations.
What if the interviewer asks follow-up questions or modifications to problems like Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick?
Phantom Code adapts in real-time. Screenshot the modified problem or use audio mode to capture the interviewer's follow-up, and get an updated solution within seconds — including edge cases and optimizations.
Can Phantom Code help me communicate my solution for problems like Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick?
Yes. Phantom Code provides step-by-step approach explanations with 3 progressive thoughts, so you can walk through your solution naturally. It also provides time and space complexity analysis to discuss trade-offs.
How does Phantom Code assist with different programming languages for Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick type problems?
Phantom Code supports 11 programming languages including Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Rust, Ruby, Swift, Kotlin, and C#. Set your preferred language and get idiomatic solutions.
What coding mistakes does Phantom Code help me avoid during Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick interviews?
Phantom Code catches common mistakes like off-by-one errors, missing edge cases, incorrect base conditions, and suboptimal approaches. It provides clean, well-structured code that handles all edge cases.
Is Phantom Code detectable when solving problems like Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick during live interviews?
No. Phantom Code runs as an invisible desktop overlay that doesn't appear in screen shares, recordings, or proctoring software. It works with Zoom, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad, and all major platforms.
How does Phantom Code help when I'm struggling with Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick style questions under pressure?
The AI provides structured guidance: first the approach (what algorithm/data structure to use and why), then the implementation with clean code, and finally complexity analysis. This helps you think clearly even under pressure.
Does Phantom Code work for the coding platforms used in Minimum Cost to Cut a Stick interviews?
Yes. Phantom Code works with all major coding platforms including LeetCode, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad, HackerEarth, and any browser-based coding environment.
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