Constructive algorithms are a common type of problem in Codeforces where the goal is to build

or construct a solution directly, rather than just finding a solution that meets certain criteria.
These problems often require thinking creatively to develop a valid solution that meets the
problem's constraints. Here are some common approaches to solving constructive algorithm
problems, with explanations and examples:

1. Greedy Approach for Construction

● Approach: Use a greedy strategy to build the solution step by step, making the optimal
choice at each stage.
● When to Use: When the problem involves maximizing or minimizing certain values, or
when you can iteratively build a solution while maintaining feasibility.
● Example: Construct a number with a given sum of digits and a given length.

int s, m;
cin >> s >> m;
if (s == 0 && m == 1) {
cout << "0\n";
return;
}
if (s == 0 || s > 9 * m) {
cout << "-1\n";
return;
}

string min_num = "", max_num = "";

int sum = s;

// Construct the smallest number

for (int i = 0; i < m; ++i) {
for (int d = (i == 0 ? 1 : 0); d <= 9; ++d) {
if (sum - d <= 9 * (m - i - 1)) {
min_num += (char)('0' + d);
sum -= d;
break;
}
}
}
sum = s;

// Construct the largest number

for (int i = 0; i < m; ++i) {
for (int d = 9; d >= 0; --d) {
if (sum - d >= 0) {
max_num += (char)('0' + d);
sum -= d;
break;
}
}
}

cout << min_num << " " << max_num << endl;

● Explanation: The problem requires constructing the smallest and largest numbers with a
given sum of digits. A greedy approach is used to add digits one by one while keeping
the sum constraint.

2. Constructive Sorting and Rearrangement

● Approach: Sort or rearrange elements in a specific order to meet problem requirements.

Sorting can often simplify the process of creating a valid construction.
● When to Use: When the problem involves finding a specific order or arrangement that
satisfies conditions.
● Example: Rearrange an array such that no two adjacent elements are the same.

int n;
cin >> n;
vector<int> arr(n);
for (int i = 0; i < n; ++i) {
cin >> arr[i];
}

sort(arr.begin(), arr.end());
vector<int> result(n);
int mid = (n + 1) / 2;
int j = 0;

// Fill the odd-indexed positions with the largest elements

for (int i = 0; i < mid; ++i) {
result[2 * i] = arr[i];
}

// Fill the even-indexed positions with the remaining elements

for (int i = mid; i < n; ++i) {
result[2 * (i - mid) + 1] = arr[i];
}

for (int i = 0; i < n; ++i) {

cout << result[i] << " ";
}
cout << endl;

● Explanation: The elements are sorted and then distributed such that the smaller half is
placed at the even indices and the larger half at the odd indices. This helps ensure no
adjacent elements are the same when possible.

3. Constructing Graphs or Trees

● Approach: Construct graphs or trees that satisfy the given properties using BFS, DFS,
or specific rules.
● When to Use: When the problem involves creating structures like trees, paths, or
networks with specific constraints.
● Example: Construct a tree with a given number of nodes and a specific diameter.

int n, d, h;
cin >> n >> d >> h;

if (d > 2 * h || (n > 2 && d == 1)) {

cout << "-1\n";
return;
}
vector<pair<int, int>> edges;

for (int i = 1; i <= h; ++i) {

edges.push_back({i, i + 1});
}

int extra_start = 1;
if (h < d) {
edges.push_back({1, h + 2});
extra_start = h + 2;
for (int i = h + 2; i <= d; ++i) {
edges.push_back({i, i + 1});
}
}

for (int i = d + 2; i <= n; ++i) {

edges.push_back({extra_start, i});
}

for (auto [u, v] : edges) {

cout << u << " " << v << endl;
}

● Explanation: This problem requires constructing a tree with a given number of nodes
and height constraints. The tree is constructed incrementally while ensuring the specified
diameter and height conditions.

4. Constructing Arrays with Specific Properties

● Approach: Create arrays with specific properties (e.g., elements with certain sums,
differences, or sequences) by placing numbers strategically.
● When to Use: When the problem requires creating a sequence or array with a specific
property.
● Example: Create an array such that the sum of any two adjacent elements is odd.

int n;
cin >> n;
vector<int> result;
// Add alternating odd and even numbers
for (int i = 1; i <= n; ++i) {
if (i % 2 == 1) {
result.push_back(i);
}
}

for (int i = 2; i <= n; i += 2) {

result.push_back(i);
}

for (int x : result) {

cout << x << " ";
}
cout << endl;

● Explanation: By placing odd numbers first and even numbers next, we ensure that the
sum of any two adjacent numbers is odd (odd + even = odd).

5. Constructive Simulation

● Approach: Simulate the process described in the problem to build the required solution,
often involving loops or condition checks.
● When to Use: When the problem involves a step-by-step process or you need to directly
simulate given rules.
● Example: Simulate a process of distributing candies between two children such that
both have equal candies.

int n;
cin >> n;
vector<int> candies(n);
int total_candies = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < n; ++i) {
cin >> candies[i];
total_candies += candies[i];
}
if (total_candies % 2 != 0) {
cout << "NO\n";
return;
}

int half = total_candies / 2;

set<int> sums;
sums.insert(0);
int current_sum = 0;

for (int candy : candies) {

current_sum += candy;
if (sums.count(current_sum - half)) {
cout << "YES\n";
return;
}
sums.insert(current_sum);
}

cout << "NO\n";

● Explanation: This code simulates the process of finding a subset with half the total sum
using a set to track partial sums. If such a subset exists, it's possible to divide the
candies evenly.

6. Constructing Using Mathematical Patterns

● Approach: Use mathematical properties (like parity, primes, combinatorial rules) to

construct a solution.
● When to Use: When a problem has inherent mathematical relationships or constraints
that can be exploited.
● Example: Construct a set of n numbers such that their sum is prime.

int n;
cin >> n;
vector<int> result;
int sum = 0;
// Construct n numbers
for (int i = 1; i <= n; ++i) {
result.push_back(i);
sum += i;
}

// Adjust the last number if the sum is not prime

if (!is_prime(sum)) {
result[n - 1] = result[n - 1] + 1; // Increment to make sum prime
}

for (int x : result) {

cout << x << " ";
}
cout << endl;

● Explanation: Initially, we create a sequence of numbers and calculate their sum. If the
sum is not prime, we adjust one element to achieve the desired condition.

Summary

Constructive algorithms require creative thinking to build solutions directly according to problem
constraints. Key strategies include:

● Greedy choices for optimal incremental solutions.

● Sorting and rearrangement for arranging elements in desired orders.
● Simulation for following step-by-step rules.
● Mathematical insights to