CustomCC0-1.0#cp-tp3-0122000
Minimal Block Merge Cost
Summary
- •Phase 3 / dp-knuth
- •Reasoning-first competitive programming drill
Problem Description
Given an array of n positive integers, you can merge two adjacent blocks into one at a cost equal to their sum. Find the minimal total cost to merge the entire array into a single block.
How to read this problem in plain language:
- This is a Phase 3 reasoning drill focused on dp-knuth.
- Typical lenses to test first: dp, interval-dp, knuth.
- Constraints reminder: 2 ≤ 1 ≤
Mini examples for mental simulation:
1) Boundary example: Describe why this case is tricky. Explain expected behavior and why naive logic may fail.
2) Adversarial example: Adversarial case where naive greedy/local decision looks correct but fails globally.
Lite-mode writing target:
- Write 1~2 observations that shrink the search space.
- Name one final algorithm and state target complexity explicitly.
- Validate with at least 2 edge cases and one hand simulation.
Constraints
- •2 ≤ 1 ≤
Analysis
Key Insight
Use this hint to refine your reasoning. This step should reduce search space or formalize correctness. State why this insight changes your algorithm choice.
dpinterval-dpknuthmerge-cost