[M💙 Challenge] Alphabetical Balance Scale 🔠⚖️

Question

Monday Blue 💙 Challenge Series #14

Let's play with alphabets this week! This time we will need to put alphabets onto the balance scale at 2 ends to achieve equilibrium.

If it's impossible to do so, determine the letter need to be added with minimum weight. The letters weight from 1 to 26 which corresponds to A to Z respectively.

💼 TASK
Write a program to accept a string of uppercase letters and split into 2 groups which produce the minimum sum difference by using an underscore character "_".

If the sum difference is not ZERO, we will need to add a letter (surround it with round brackets) on either side to achieve equilibrium.

🔧 TEST CASE
"A" ➡ (A)_A or A_(A)
"AA" ➡ A_A
"AAA" ➡ A(A)_AA or AA_A(A)
"ABC" ➡ AB_C
"ABBA" ➡ AB_BA
"ABCD" ➡ ABC_D(B)
"ZEPHYRKOO" ➡ ZEPHY_RKOO(U)
"MONDAYBLUE" ➡ MONDA(R)_YBLUE
"CHRISTMAS" ➡ CHRIS_TMAS(D)
"IS" ➡ I(J)_S
"COMING" ➡ COM_ING(A)
"SOON" ➡ SO_ON(E)

❤ BONUS
Clear-cut and optimized approach is encouraged.

Happy Coding!!! 😁💻

Answer 1

So ... Finally
I wrote the correct one :

https://code.sololearn.com/c180VkDulLz4/#py

Answer 2

Sorry, I'm late. But the good news is that my Python code works!!!!
https://code.sololearn.com/cO5y1JT41Up5/?ref=app

Answer 3

This was harder than I thought.
https://code.sololearn.com/W506vsSzOpM3/?ref=app

Answer 4

Java:
https://code.sololearn.com/cHaRsuhM8Grk/?ref=app

Answer 5

Oh wow I just noticed there are some constructive arguments happening here!

Personally I believe that everyone have the right to share anything they want and it's up to our own to take it or leave it as one man's trash (incomprehensible code) can be another man's treasure (enlightment).

I would rather have a few people that really understand or get inspired from my code instead of the sheer number of likes and I believe there are others feel the same as well. So no worry how others think about it as there are still some people will find it useful.

There are abundant of knowledge over here but unfortunately time is limited, therefore pick the one that worth your time and leave the rest for others. 😉

Answer 6

Challenge accepted.

Answer 7

@Pegagus Not really if you really look into the problem.

I always try my best to make sure the challenge is suitable for fresh programmers and this one is no exception, hopefully. 😉

Answer 8

My try, sorry I'm late was busy today
https://code.sololearn.com/cR03M5KT7zyz/?ref=app

Answer 9

Here's my try
Tell me if something's wrong.
I have tried to show every possible case!
https://code.sololearn.com/cOxLMXAJpEA2/?ref=app

Answer 10

@Calvin
I think you should give the one in which minimum valued alphabet is added.
Example:
If you have added B in one and in other you have added C, then, you should print the one where you added B as B is smaller than C.

Answer 11

Challenge accepted!!

Answer 12

https://code.sololearn.com/c4lcWRaZ5S8A/?ref=app

Answer 13

Edit: I have added my code.

Answer 14

Beautiful challenge, thank you 😊
https://code.sololearn.com/c3g25H6xjKaw/?ref=app

Answer 15

Guys I'm really amazed by your thought process here and never think that this problem leads to overthinking and become such complicated! 💭

Please be reminded that we are using a balance scale instead of finding the pivot point so we just need both the LEFT and RIGHT group to put on the plates and balance it by adding a minimum weight, if required. 😉

Answer 16

Indeed! We preserve the order in this case to reduce the complexity instead of picking up one-by-one.

You guys are pretty awesome with such amazing ideas! Any advanced solution is welcome but I'll pick the the best answer based on the requirement above to be fair. Thank you everyone again! 😄

Answer 17

@JPM7 Yes it matters as we need to ensure the added weight is minimum. For example,

"ABC"
❌ A(D)_BC
✔️ AB_C
❌ (F)_ABC or ABC_(F)

Answer 18

@Cpasgrave
I don't think you can change the order of the alphabets!🤔
Check @Zephyr Koo's given test cases again.

Answer 19

@Cpasgrave
Yeah, what you made is definitely complicated than the actual one!

Answer 20

@Pegasus Nope as the added letter weight is not the minimum possible. We can achieve equilibrium by adding "B" instead of "D".

I wish to provide an explanation but worry it will produce an anchoring effect for the algorithms submitted. I believe you can do well after study the problem a little bit more. Keep it up! 😉