Intersection of Linked List Problem

You are provided with two singly linked lists containing integers, where both lists converge at some node belonging to a third linked list.

Your task is to determine the data of the node at which they start merging. If no merging occurs, return -1.

Example:

The linked lists are structured as follows:

First Linked List: a1, a2, c1
Second Linked List: b1, b2, b3, c1
Third Linked List where merging occurs: c1, c2, c3

An image shows the merging:

alt.txt

Input:

Three lines representing three singly linked lists.
Each line contains elements separated by spaces, ending with -1.
Line 1 (First linked list): a1, a2, ...an, c1, -1
Line 2 (Second linked list): b1, b2, ...bm, c1, -1
Line 3 (Third linked list): c2, c3, ...ck, -1

Output:

A single integer representing the data of the node where the merging starts. Output -1 if no merging occurs.
You don't need to print this yourself as it is managed automatically.

Constraints:

  • 0 ≤ N ≤ 105
  • 0 ≤ M ≤ 105
  • 0 ≤ K ≤ 105
  • -109 ≤ data ≤ 109 and data ≠ -1
  • Time Limit: 1 second
AnswerBot
4mo

Find the node where two linked lists merge.

  • Traverse both lists to find their lengths and the difference in lengths.

  • Move the pointer of the longer list by the difference.

  • Traverse both lists simultaneou...read more

Help your peers!
Select
Add answer anonymously...

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Software Developer Intern interview questions & answers

A Software Developer Intern was asked Q. Count Subarrays with Given XOR Problem Statement You are given an array of integ...read more
A Software Developer Intern was asked Q. Kth Largest Number Problem Statement You are given a continuous stream of number...read more
A Software Developer Intern was asked Q. Stack using Two Queues Problem Statement Develop a Stack Data Structure to store...read more

Popular interview questions of Software Developer Intern

A Software Developer Intern was asked Q1. Count Subarrays with Given XOR Problem Statement You are given an array of integ...read more
A Software Developer Intern was asked Q2. Kth Largest Number Problem Statement You are given a continuous stream of number...read more
A Software Developer Intern was asked Q3. Stack using Two Queues Problem Statement Develop a Stack Data Structure to store...read more
JPMorgan Chase & Co. Software Developer Intern Interview Questions
Stay ahead in your career. Get AmbitionBox app
play-icon
play-icon
qr-code
Trusted by over 1.5 Crore job seekers to find their right fit company
80 L+

Reviews

10L+

Interviews

4 Cr+

Salaries

1.5 Cr+

Users

Contribute to help millions

Made with ❤️ in India. Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved © 2025 Info Edge (India) Ltd.

Follow Us
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Profile Image
Hello, Guest
AmbitionBox Employee Choice Awards 2025
Winners announced!
awards-icon
Contribute to help millions!
Write a review
Write a review
Share interview
Share interview
Contribute salary
Contribute salary
Add office photos
Add office photos
Add office benefits
Add office benefits