Add Two Numbers

LeetCode 2 | Difficulty: Medium

Medium

Problem Description

You are given two non-empty linked lists representing two non-negative integers. The digits are stored in reverse order, and each of their nodes contains a single digit. Add the two numbers and return the sum as a linked list.

You may assume the two numbers do not contain any leading zero, except the number 0 itself.

Example 1:

Input: l1 = [2,4,3], l2 = [5,6,4]
Output: [7,0,8]
Explanation: 342 + 465 = 807.

Example 2:

Input: l1 = [0], l2 = [0]
Output: [0]

Example 3:

Input: l1 = [9,9,9,9,9,9,9], l2 = [9,9,9,9]
Output: [8,9,9,9,0,0,0,1]

Constraints:

• The number of nodes in each linked list is in the range [1, 100].

• 0 <= Node.val <= 9

• It is guaranteed that the list represents a number that does not have leading zeros.

Topics: Linked List, Math, Recursion

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Approach

Mathematical

Look for mathematical patterns or formulas. Consider: modular arithmetic, GCD/LCM, prime factorization, combinatorics, or geometric properties.

When to use

Problems with clear mathematical structure, counting, number properties.

Linked List

Use pointer manipulation. Common techniques: dummy head node to simplify edge cases, fast/slow pointers for cycle detection and middle finding, prev/curr/next pattern for reversal.

When to use

In-place list manipulation, cycle detection, merging lists, finding the k-th node.

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Solutions

Solution 1: Single Pass with Carry

Walk both lists simultaneously summing digit-by-digit with a carry. A dummy head simplifies the edge case for the very first digit.

Iterative

/**
 * public class ListNode {
 *     public int val;
 *     public ListNode next;
 *     public ListNode(int val=0, ListNode next=null) {
 *         this.val = val;
 *         this.next = next;
 *     }
 * }
 */
public class Solution {
    public ListNode AddTwoNumbers(ListNode l1, ListNode l2) {
        var dummy = new ListNode();
        var curr = dummy;
        int carry = 0;
        while (l1 != null || l2 != null || carry != 0) {
            int sum = carry;
            if (l1 != null) { sum += l1.val; l1 = l1.next; }
            if (l2 != null) { sum += l2.val; l2 = l2.next; }
            carry = sum / 10;
            curr.next = new ListNode(sum % 10);
            curr = curr.next;
        }
        return dummy.next;
    }
}

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Complexity Analysis

Approach	Time	Space
Single pass with carry	$O(\max(m, n))$	$O(\max(m, n))$ for output

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Interview Tips

Key Points

• Discuss the brute force approach first, then optimize. Explain your thought process.
• Draw the pointer changes before coding. A dummy head node simplifies edge cases.