This question evaluates array manipulation and algorithmic problem-solving skills, focusing on reasoning about cumulative (suffix) sums and time-complexity analysis. Commonly asked in the Coding & Algorithms domain because it probes efficiency and optimization over naive approaches, it targets practical, implementation-level understanding rather than purely conceptual theory.
Given an unsorted integer array , find an index such that every cumulative sum starting from to the end of the array is strictly positive:
Return any valid index. If no such index exists, return .
First describe a baseline solution, then optimize it. Aim for better than time.