#0233

Container With Most Water

MediumDSA28 min20 XP

Problem

Given line heights, return the maximum area formed by choosing two lines and the x-axis.

Why This Matters

This problem explains the key two-pointer proof: move the limiting side, because moving the taller side cannot improve the current width-height tradeoff.

Function Signature

def max_area(height):

Examples

Example 1

Inputheight = [1, 8, 6, 2, 5, 4, 8, 3, 7]

Output49

The best pair is height 8 at index 1 and height 7 at index 8, width 7, area 49.

Constraints

Return the exact requested value.
Handle empty or small inputs when the prompt allows them.
Prefer the target DSA pattern over brute force when the input can grow.

CodePython

def max_area(height):
    """
    Input example: height = [1, 8, 6, 2, 5, 4, 8, 3, 7]
    Return: 49
    Return the value from the function so the tests can compare it. Do not print unless the prompt asks.
    """
    # write your code here
    return 0

def max_area(height):
    """
    Input example: height = [1, 8, 6, 2, 5, 4, 8, 3, 7]
    Return: 49
    Return the value from the function so the tests can compare it. Do not print unless the prompt asks.
    """
    # write your code here
    return 0

Visible browser tests run here when available.

Testcases2 visible / 3 hidden categories

Classic container

Input[1, 8, 6, 2, 5, 4, 8, 3, 7]

Expected49

The widest useful tall pair gives area 49.

Two lines

Input[1, 1]

Expected1

Width 1 times height 1.

Hidden Test Categories

increasing heightsdecreasing heightslarge plateau