How to Solve Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix Leetcode Problem - Interview Coder Guide
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How to Solve Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix Problem

Master the Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.

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Medium#378
LeetCode Problem

Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix

Given an n x n matrix where each of the rows and columns is sorted in ascending order, return the kth smallest element in the matrix. Note that it is the kth smallest element in the sorted order, not ...

ArrayBinary SearchSorting+2 more

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Problem Breakdown

Understanding the Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix Problem

Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.

Problem Statement

Given an n x n matrix where each of the rows and columns is sorted in ascending order, return the kth smallest element in the matrix. Note that it is the kth smallest element in the sorted order, not the kth distinct element. You must find a solution with a memory complexity better than O(n2).

MediumProblem #378
LeetCode

Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix

Related Topics
ArrayBinary SearchSortingHeap (Priority Queue)Matrix
How Interview Coder Helps

Get real-time assistance for Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix problems during coding interviews. Interview Coder provides instant solutions and explanations.

Examples

Example 1
INPUT
matrix = [[1,5,9],[10,11,13],[12,13,15]], k = 8
OUTPUT
13
EXPLANATION

The elements in the matrix are [1,5,9,10,11,12,13,13,15], and the 8th smallest number is 13

Example 2
INPUT
matrix = [[-5]], k = 1
OUTPUT
-5

Constraints

n == matrix.length == matrix[i].length
1 <= n <= 300
109 <= matrix[i][j] <= 109
All the rows and columns of matrix are guaranteed to be sorted in non-decreasing order.
1 <= k <= n2
Follow up:
Could you solve the problem with a constant memory (i.e., O(1) memory complexity)?
Could you solve the problem in O(n) time complexity? The solution may be too advanced for an interview but you may find reading this paper fun.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about solving Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix and using Interview Coder during coding interviews.

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