Minimum number of coins
Detailed guide and Python implementation for the 'Minimum number of coins' problem.
1. Concept Overview
The 'Minimum number of coins' problem is a key challenge in the Dynamic Programming section.
This implementation focuses on easy-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 Minimum number of coins.
4. Prerequisites
5. Step-by-Step Thinking
1. Understand the problem
Read the problem statement for Minimum number of coins 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 min_coins(coins, V) that returns the minimum number of coins needed to make a target change V using the given coin denominations coins. If it is impossible to make change, return -1.
- •1 <= len(coins) <= 100
- •1 <= V <= 10000
- •1 <= coins[i] <= 1000
Examples
min_coins([9, 6, 5, 1], 11)
2
We can make 11 using coins 6 and 5 (2 coins).
min_coins([5, 10], 7)
-1
We cannot make change for 7 using only coins of value 5 and 10.
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 min_coins_opt(coins, n):
dp = [float('inf')] * (n + 1); dp[0] = 0
for i in range(1, n + 1):
for c in coins:
if c <= i: dp[i] = min(dp[i], 1 + dp[i-c])
return dp[n] if dp[n] != float('inf') else -1Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
def min_coins_brute(coins, n):
if n == 0: return 0
res = float('inf')
for c in coins:
if c <= n:
sub = min_coins_brute(coins, n - c)
if sub != float('inf'): res = min(res, sub + 1)
return resAlgorithm Pattern Checklist
When dealing with Dynamic Programming data patterns.
Core Prerequisites
Revision Key Notes
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
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