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Maximize minimum after K decrements

Last updated: Mar 29, 2026

Quick Overview

This Coding & Algorithms question evaluates algorithmic problem-solving skills in array manipulation and constrained optimization, testing competency in reasoning about value distribution, large numeric bounds, and performance under tight complexity limits.

  • easy
  • MathWorks
  • Coding & Algorithms
  • Software Engineer

Maximize minimum after K decrements

Company: MathWorks

Role: Software Engineer

Category: Coding & Algorithms

Difficulty: easy

Interview Round: Technical Screen

You are given an integer array `A` of length `N` and an integer `K`. You must perform exactly `K` operations. In each operation, choose any index `i` and do `A[i] = A[i] - 1`. After all `K` operations, let `min(A)` be the minimum value in the array. Your goal is to choose the operations to **maximize** `min(A)`. Return the maximum possible value of `min(A)` after exactly `K` operations. **Input** - `A`: array of `N` integers - `K`: non-negative integer **Output** - An integer: the maximum achievable minimum value. **Notes / Constraints (reasonable for interviews)** - `1 <= N <= 2e5` - `-1e9 <= A[i] <= 1e9` - `0 <= K <= 1e18` **Example** - `A = [5, 1, 7]`, `K = 3` - One optimal strategy is to decrement `7` three times → `[5, 1, 4]`, so `min(A) = 1`. - The answer is `1`.

Quick Answer: This Coding & Algorithms question evaluates algorithmic problem-solving skills in array manipulation and constrained optimization, testing competency in reasoning about value distribution, large numeric bounds, and performance under tight complexity limits.

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MathWorks
Mar 1, 2026, 12:00 AM
Software Engineer
Technical Screen
Coding & Algorithms
2
0

You are given an integer array A of length N and an integer K.

You must perform exactly K operations. In each operation, choose any index i and do A[i] = A[i] - 1.

After all K operations, let min(A) be the minimum value in the array. Your goal is to choose the operations to maximize min(A).

Return the maximum possible value of min(A) after exactly K operations.

Input

  • A : array of N integers
  • K : non-negative integer

Output

  • An integer: the maximum achievable minimum value.

Notes / Constraints (reasonable for interviews)

  • 1 <= N <= 2e5
  • -1e9 <= A[i] <= 1e9
  • 0 <= K <= 1e18

Example

  • A = [5, 1, 7] , K = 3
    • One optimal strategy is to decrement 7 three times → [5, 1, 4] , so min(A) = 1 .
    • The answer is 1 .

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