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Uber Tree Algorithm Interview: Kth Largest Element in BST

2025-11-03

Classic Tree algorithm question from Uber interviews. This article demonstrates flexible application of Inorder Traversal and optimization techniques via the "Kth Largest Element in BST" problem. oavoservice helps you master tree algorithms.

📋 Problem Definition

Given a Binary Search Tree (BST) and an integer k, find the kth largest element in the tree.

Constraints:

🎯 Solution Evolution

Method 1: Inorder Traversal + Array

def kthLargest_v1(root, k):
    def inorder(node):
        if not node:
            return []
        return inorder(node.left) + [node.val] + inorder(node.right)
    
    sorted_vals = inorder(root)
    return sorted_vals[-k]

Time: O(n) Space: O(n)

Method 2: Reverse Inorder Traversal (Optimal)

oavoservice recommended optimized approach:

def kthLargest_v2(root, k):
    def reverse_inorder(node):
        nonlocal k, result
        if not node or result is not None:
            return
        
        reverse_inorder(node.right)
        
        k -= 1
        if k == 0:
            result = node.val
            return
        
        reverse_inorder(node.left)
    
    result = None
    reverse_inorder(root)
    return result

Time: O(k) Space: O(h)

Method 3: Morris Traversal (Space O(1))

def kthLargest_morris(root, k):
    current = root
    count = 0
    result = None
    
    while current:
        if not current.right:
            count += 1
            if count == k:
                result = current.val
            current = current.left
        else:
            predecessor = current.right
            while predecessor.left and predecessor.left != current:
                predecessor = predecessor.left
            
            if not predecessor.left:
                predecessor.left = current
                current = current.right
            else:
                predecessor.left = None
                count += 1
                if count == k:
                    result = current.val
                current = current.left
    
    return result

Time: O(n) Space: O(1)

💼 How oavoservice Helps

Multiple Solutions - From basic to optimal Space Optimization - Morris Traversal Time Optimization - Early termination

Contact oavoservice for professional Tree Algorithm interview assistance!


Tags: #Uber #BST #TreeTraversal #MorrisTraversal #VOHelp #InterviewPrep #1point3acres


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