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This question evaluates understanding of array properties and algorithmic complexity, specifically detecting a single missing element in a sorted consecutive sequence within the Coding & Algorithms category.

  • easy
  • Arista
  • Coding & Algorithms
  • Software Engineer

Find missing value in sorted consecutive array

Company: Arista

Role: Software Engineer

Category: Coding & Algorithms

Difficulty: easy

Interview Round: Technical Screen

Given a sorted array `nums` of **distinct integers**. The numbers are supposed to form a consecutive sequence starting from some unknown integer `start`: - If nothing is missing, the sequence would be: `start, start+1, start+2, ..., start+n-1` where `n = len(nums)`. - But **at most one** number from this sequence may be missing in `nums`. Return the missing number if one exists; otherwise return `null` (or `-1`, but be consistent). **Requirements** - Time complexity must be **O(log n)**. - Space complexity must be **O(1)**. **Examples** - `nums = [4,5,6,8,9]` → missing is `7` - `nums = [-3,-2,-1,0,1]` → no missing → return `null` - `nums = [10,11,12,13,15]` → missing is `14` **Notes** - `start` can be any integer (including negative). - `nums` is already sorted ascending and contains no duplicates.

Quick Answer: This question evaluates understanding of array properties and algorithmic complexity, specifically detecting a single missing element in a sorted consecutive sequence within the Coding & Algorithms category.

Given a sorted distinct array that should be consecutive except for at most one interior missing value, return the missing number or None if no value is missing.

Constraints

  • nums is sorted ascending with distinct integers.
  • At most one interior value is missing.
  • Return None when no missing value is detectable.

Examples

Input: ([4,5,6,8,9],)

Expected Output: 7

Explanation: The first index whose value is offset too far reveals the missing number.

Input: ([-3,-2,-1,0,1],)

Expected Output: None

Explanation: A fully consecutive array returns None.

Input: ([10,11,12,13,15],)

Expected Output: 14

Explanation: The missing value is at the final gap.

Input: ([42],)

Expected Output: None

Explanation: A single observed value has no detectable missing interior value.

Hints

  1. For a perfect consecutive array, nums[i] - nums[0] equals i.
  2. Binary search for the first index where that invariant fails.
Last updated: Jun 27, 2026

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