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Data Structure Implementation
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Data Structure Implementation

MediumPython

Problem

Write a function to handle a specific data structure, such as a linked list or tree.

Implement lowest_common_ancestor(root, p, q) for a binary search tree with unique integer values. Each node is represented as a dictionary with val, left, and right keys, and missing children are null. Return the integer value of the lowest node that is an ancestor of both p and q.

Assume both target values exist in the tree. Use the BST ordering property where possible.

Constraints

  • 1 <= number of nodes <= 1000
  • Node values are unique integers
  • Both p and q exist in the tree
  • The input is a valid binary search tree
  • Missing children are represented by null

Function Signature

def lowest_common_ancestor(root, p, q):
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