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How to Solve Minimum Cost to Merge Stones Problem
Master the Minimum Cost to Merge Stones LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.
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LeetCode ProblemMinimum Cost to Merge Stones
There are n piles of stones arranged in a row. The ith pile has stones[i] stones. A move consists of merging exactly k consecutive piles into one pile, and the cost of this move is equal to the total number of stones in these k piles. Return the minimum cost to merge all piles of stones into one pile. If it is impossible, return -1.
ArrayDynamic ProgrammingPrefix Sum
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Problem Breakdown
Understanding the Minimum Cost to Merge Stones Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
There are n piles of stones arranged in a row. The ith pile has stones[i] stones. A move consists of merging exactly k consecutive piles into one pile, and the cost of this move is equal to the total number of stones in these k piles. Return the minimum cost to merge all piles of stones into one pile. If it is impossible, return -1.
HardProblem #1000
LeetCodeMinimum Cost to Merge Stones
Related Topics
ArrayDynamic ProgrammingPrefix Sum
How Phantom Code Helps
Get real-time assistance for Minimum Cost to Merge Stones problems during coding interviews. Phantom Code provides instant solutions and explanations.
Examples
# Example 1
Input
stones = [3,2,4,1], k = 2
Output
20
# Example 2
Input
stones = [3,2,4,1], k = 3
Output
-1
# Example 3
Input
stones = [3,5,1,2,6], k = 3
Output
25
Constraints
n == stones.length
1 <= n <= 30
1 <= stones[i] <= 100
2 <= k <= 30
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Solve Minimum Cost to Merge Stones — There are n piles of stones arranged in a row. The ith pile has stones[i] stones...
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 Merge Stones and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.
How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Minimum Cost to Merge Stones 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 Merge Stones?
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 Merge Stones?
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 Merge Stones 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 Merge Stones 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 Merge Stones 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 Merge Stones 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 Merge Stones 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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