Identifying the minimum predicate search pattern
The minimum predicate search algorithm is a generalisation of the binary search algorithm used to find the first (minimum) point in a sorted search space at which a monotonic boolean function (predicate) changes its value, assuming it changes only once. It is a very powerful technique that can solve many optimization and feasibility problems in logarithmic time.
These are generally medium or hard problems where we have a large sorted search space, and we need to define a predicate function that verifies if certain constraints are met. The goal is to find the first (minimum) value in the search space where the result of the predicate function flips.
If the problem statement or its solution follows the generic template below, it can be solved using the minimum predicate search algorithm.
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