Foldable Tree
Detailed guide and Python implementation for the 'Foldable Tree' problem.
1. Concept Overview
The 'Foldable Tree' problem is a key challenge in the Trees section.
This implementation focuses on medium-level logic in Python.
We prioritize technical accuracy and code readability in our provided solutions.
2. Real-World Applications
3. Visual Intuition
Visualizing the logic flow for Foldable Tree.
4. Prerequisites
5. Step-by-Step Thinking
1. Understand the problem
Read the problem statement for Foldable Tree carefully.
2. Formulate brute force
Draft a simple iterative solution.
3. Identify inefficiency
Look for redundant calculations.
4. Optimize search path
Use hashing or sorting to speed up the process.
5. Final Implementation
Clean up the code for production standards.
Problem Statement
Write a function is_foldable(tree_arr) that takes an array representation of a binary tree tree_arr and checks if the tree is foldable. A tree is foldable if its left and right subtrees are structural mirrors of each other (value does not matter, only structure).
- •0 <= len(tree_arr) <= 1000
Examples
tree_arr = [1, 2, 3, None, 4, 5, None]
True
Left child has right child 4. Right child has left child 5. Structures are symmetric mirrors.
tree_arr = [1, 2, 3, 4, None, 5, None]
False
Need a Hint?
Edge Cases to Watch
- Empty input structures
- Single element inputs
- Large numerical bounds
Ready to Solve?
Open the problem in PyRun's browser-based Python editor. Your code runs fully offline — no server required.
Interview Insights & Variations
Complexity Analysis Breakdown
Why Time: Directly evaluates all possibilities.
Why Space: Uses standard local memory.
Why Time: Optimized paths reduce total operations.
Why Space: May trade memory for speed.
Optimized Solution Python Code
Optimized Solution Python Code
def foldable_tree_opt(arr: list) -> bool:
if not arr: return True
root = build_tree(arr)
def is_struct_same(n1, n2):
if not n1 and not n2: return True
if not n1 or not n2: return False
return is_struct_same(n1.left, n2.right) and is_struct_same(n1.right, n2.left)
return is_struct_same(root.left, root.right)Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
def foldable_tree_brute(arr: list) -> bool:
if not arr: return True
root = build_tree(arr)
def is_mirror(n1, n2):
if not n1 and not n2: return True
if not n1 or not n2: return False
return is_mirror(n1.left, n2.right) and is_mirror(n1.right, n2.left)
return is_mirror(root.left, root.right)Algorithm Pattern Checklist
When dealing with Trees data patterns.
Core Prerequisites
Revision Key Notes
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Related Questions
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