How to Solve Broken Calculator Problem
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Broken Calculator
There is a broken calculator that has the integer startValue on its display initially. In one operation, you can: multiply the number on display by 2, or subtract 1 from the number on display. Given t...
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Understanding the Broken Calculator Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
There is a broken calculator that has the integer startValue on its display initially. In one operation, you can: multiply the number on display by 2, or subtract 1 from the number on display. Given two integers startValue and target, return the minimum number of operations needed to display target on the calculator.
Broken Calculator
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Examples
startValue = 2, target = 3
2
Use double operation and then decrement operation {2 -> 4 -> 3}.
startValue = 5, target = 8
2
Use decrement and then double {5 -> 4 -> 8}.
startValue = 3, target = 10
3
Use double, decrement and double {3 -> 6 -> 5 -> 10}.
Constraints
1 <= startValue, target <= 109
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