Solution: Linked List Cycle IV
Explore how to detect and remove cycles in singly linked lists using the fast and slow pointer technique based on Floyd's cycle detection method. Understand how to identify the cycle's start, break the loop, and restore the linked list to a linear structure. This lesson prepares you to solve cycle-related linked list problems efficiently with O(n) time and O(1) space complexity.
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Statement
Given the head of a singly linked list, implement a function to detect and remove any cycle present in the list. A cycle occurs when a node's next pointer links back to a previous node, forming a loop within the list.
The function must modify the linked list in place, ensuring it remains acyclic while preserving the original node order. If no cycle is found, return the linked list as is.
Constraints: