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Missing Number

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01 · Problem

You are given an array nums holding n distinct integers, all taken from the range [0, n]. Since the range contains n + 1 values and the array has only n, exactly one value from the range is absent.

Return the missing value. Try to use O(1) extra space and O(n) time.

02 · Examples

Example 01
Input
nums = [3,0,1]
Output
2

n = 3, so the range is [0, 3]. The values 0, 1 and 3 are present, so 2 is missing.

Example 02
Input
nums = [0,1]
Output
2

n = 2, so the range is [0, 2]. Both 0 and 1 are present, so the missing value is 2.

Example 03
Input
nums = [9,6,4,2,3,5,7,0,1]
Output
8

n = 9, so the range is [0, 9]. Every value except 8 appears.

03 · Constraints

  • 01n == nums.length
  • 021 <= n <= 104
  • 030 <= nums[i] <= n
  • 04All values in nums are distinct

04 · Optimal complexity

Time
O(n)
Space
O(1)
05 · Two ways to work on it

Practice it alone or rehearse it as an interview.

Practice Mode gives you an editor and test runs, nothing else. AI Interview Mode puts a voice interviewer on the other side, adds a clock, and ends with a scored summary of the round.