Started with brute force, checking every cell and seeing if the four distances matched.
Clarify the problem constraints and assumptions, then derive the robot's coordinates by reasoning about how the given distances constrain its position relative to walls or obstacles. Consider edge cases and validate your solution with examples.
Pro tip: Demonstrate systematic problem-solving by explicitly stating assumptions and walking through a concrete example before generalizing. This shows clarity and reduces ambiguity.
Ask questions to confirm the grid dimensions, whether walls/obstacles are known, and if distances are exact or approximate. Ensure you understand what 'distance to nearest wall or obstacle' means in each direction.
Establish a coordinate system (e.g., top-left as (0,0)) and define how distances map to coordinates. For example, if the robot is at (r, c), the distance to the left wall is c, to the right wall is n-1-c, etc.
Use the given distances to set up equations. For instance, left distance = c, right distance = n-1-c, top distance = r, bottom distance = m-1-r. Solve for r and c.
If obstacles are present, the distances may not directly give coordinates. Discuss how to handle such cases, possibly by using the distances to narrow down possible positions or by assuming obstacles are walls.
Test your solution with simple examples (e.g., 1x1 grid, robot at corner) and edge cases (e.g., distances that imply no solution). Discuss time and space complexity.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.