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Solution: Kth Smallest Element in a Sorted Matrix

Explore how to find the kth smallest element in an n by n sorted matrix by treating rows as sorted arrays and applying the k-way merge pattern using a min-heap. Learn the step-by-step algorithm, implementation details, and time-space complexity analysis essential for coding interviews.

Statement

Find the kthk^{th} smallest element in an (n×n)(n \times n) matrix, where each row and column of the matrix is sorted in ascending order.

Although there can be repeating values in the matrix, each element is considered unique and, therefore, contributes to calculating the kthk^{th} smallest element.

Constraints:

  • n ==== matrix.length
  • n ==== matrix[i].length
  • 11\leq n 100\leq100
  • 103
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