How do you solve Total Distance Traveled on LeetCode?

Total Distance Traveled (LeetCode #2739) can be solved using Brute Force or Optimal Solution. The optimal approach is Optimal Solution with O(1) time complexity and O(1) space complexity. Key insight: Fuel transfer occurs only after every 5 liters consumed.

What is the brute force solution for Total Distance Traveled?

The brute force approach for Total Distance Traveled is Brute Force, with O(n) time complexity and O(1) space complexity. The brute force approach simulates the fuel consumption step by step, calculating the distance traveled until the main tank is empty. It checks after every 5 liters consumed if fuel can be transferred from the additional tank. The optimal Optimal Solution approach improves this to O(1).

What algorithm or data structure is used to solve Total Distance Traveled?

Total Distance Traveled uses the following concepts: Math, Simulation. The recommended patterns to study are: Simulation, Greedy Algorithm.

What are the interview tips for Total Distance Traveled?

Always clarify the problem constraints and requirements. Think about edge cases, such as when the main tank is nearly empty or when the additional tank is full. Explain your thought process as you code to demonstrate your understanding.

What are common mistakes when solving Total Distance Traveled?

Forgetting to check if additionalTank has fuel before transferring. Not considering the distance calculation correctly when the main tank is empty.

#2739

Total Distance Traveled

Easy

MathSimulationSimulationGreedy Algorithm

LeetCode ↗

Approaches

Brute ForceOptimal

Complexity Comparison

	Brute Force	Optimal Solution★
Time	O(n)	O(1)
Space	O(1)	O(1)

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Intuition

Time O(1)Space O(1)

The optimal solution calculates the maximum distance directly by determining how many times fuel can be transferred from the additional tank and how much distance can be covered before the main tank runs out of fuel.

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Algorithm

4 steps

1Step 1: Calculate the maximum distance that can be traveled with the main tank alone.
2Step 2: Determine how many times fuel can be transferred from the additional tank based on the main tank's capacity.
3Step 3: Calculate the total distance including the additional fuel from the additional tank.
4Step 4: Return the total distance.

solution.py3 lines

1def maxDistance(mainTank, additionalTank):
2    maxDistance = min(mainTank + additionalTank, mainTank + additionalTank // 5)
3    return maxDistance * 10

ℹ

Complexity note: Both time and space complexity are O(1) because we are performing a constant number of calculations regardless of the input size.

1Fuel transfer occurs only after every 5 liters consumed.
2The additional tank can extend the distance but is limited by the main tank's consumption.

Solutions and explanations are original Tejav content. Problem titles © LeetCode — use the LeetCode button above for the full problem statement.