Optimize Array Pairing Cost | Dataford Interview Questions

Problem

You are given an integer array nums. In one operation, you may choose any two elements, remove them, and pay a cost equal to the absolute difference of the two values. Continue until no more pairs can be formed. Return the minimum possible total cost.

Implement min_pair_cost(nums) and assume nums may contain duplicates and negative values. If the array has an odd length, one element will remain unpaired and contributes no cost.

Constraints

1 <= len(nums) <= 10^5
-10^9 <= nums[i] <= 10^9
The array may have odd or even length
Duplicate values are allowed

Problem

Implement min_pair_cost(nums) and assume nums may contain duplicates and negative values. If the array has an odd length, one element will remain unpaired and contributes no cost.

Constraints

1 <= len(nums) <= 10^5
-10^9 <= nums[i] <= 10^9
The array may have odd or even length
Duplicate values are allowed

Problem

Implement min_pair_cost(nums) and assume nums may contain duplicates and negative values. If the array has an odd length, one element will remain unpaired and contributes no cost.

Constraints

1 <= len(nums) <= 10^5
-10^9 <= nums[i] <= 10^9
The array may have odd or even length
Duplicate values are allowed

Problem

Implement min_pair_cost(nums) and assume nums may contain duplicates and negative values. If the array has an odd length, one element will remain unpaired and contributes no cost.

Constraints

1 <= len(nums) <= 10^5
-10^9 <= nums[i] <= 10^9
The array may have odd or even length
Duplicate values are allowed