Math Roadmap for LeetCode-Style Coding
Problems
Introduction: You don’t need to be a math genius to excel in data structure and algorithm (DSA) interviews,
but a solid grasp of a few key math topics can be a game-changer 1 2 . Most coding interview math is
fairly basic (often no more than high-school level), focusing on discrete concepts rather than advanced
calculus. These concepts help you count possibilities, analyze probabilities in randomized algorithms, break
down recursive relations, and handle number properties in coding challenges. Below is a structured
roadmap covering core math topics—Combinatorics, Probability, Discrete Math (recurrences & sets),
and Basic Number Theory—with an interview-focused scope. Each topic includes why it matters for
LeetCode-style problems, must-know vs. nice-to-know subtopics, learning resources (with an emphasis on
videos where possible), and example applications in coding problems.
Combinatorics (Permutations & Combinations)
Why it matters in DSA: Combinatorics is the mathematics of counting and arranging, which directly applies
to many coding problems. Knowing combinatorics helps in counting possible outcomes, generating
subsets/permutations, and solving “how many ways” questions. In LeetCode-style interviews, combinatorial
reasoning appears in backtracking problems (e.g. generating all subsets or permutations), dynamic
programming counts (e.g. coin change ways), and even formula-based questions like computing paths in a
grid. In short, combinatorics gives you tools to determine the number of possible configurations or
selections in a problem 3 , and to optimize solutions by understanding the combinatorial limits.
Must-Know Concepts: Fundamental counting principles (Addition and Multiplication rules) 4 , factorials
( n! ), permutations (ordered arrangements, $P(n,k)$), combinations (unordered selections, $C(n,k)$), and
the binomial coefficient theorem (e.g. knowing $C(n,k) = \frac{n!}{k!(n-k)!}$). Also know that $2^n$ is the
count of subsets of an $n$-element set (power set size). These basics cover most counting needs.
Understanding how to apply modular arithmetic to combinatorics is useful when results are large
(common in coding problems where you return results mod $10^9+7$).
Nice-to-Know (Optional): The inclusion-exclusion principle for counting with overlapping conditions, and
the pigeonhole principle for reasoning about constraints 5 6 . These appear less frequently but can be
handy for certain puzzle-like problems or proofs. Familiarity with special sequences like Catalan numbers
is also useful for specific problems (Catalan numbers count certain structures like BSTs or valid parenthesis
strings). For example, the number of unique BSTs with $n$ keys is the $n$th Catalan number given by the
formula $C_n = \frac{1}{n+1}\binom{2n}{n}$ 7 .
Resources: - Video Lessons: Khan Academy – Probability and Combinatorics (free course covering
counting basics and binomial coefficients) 8 . For a quick start, see the YouTube video “Math Skills:
Factorial, Permutation, Combination” 9 which introduces $n!$, $P(n,k)$ and $C(n,k)$ with examples.
- Text/Books: Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications by Rosen (covers combinatorial principles in a CS
context) – useful as a reference. The free MIT textbook Mathematics for Computer Science (MIT 6.042J) also
