I am not able to understand the solution of the last problem from Hack the interview II -Global, a contest on Hackerrank which finished few days ago.It's labelled 'HARD'. Problem Link : [](https://www.hackerrank.com/contests/hack-the-interview-ii-global/challenges/flipped-beauty/problem) Solution Link : [](https://www.hackerrank.com/rest/contests/hack-the-interview-ii-global/challenges/flipped-beauty/hackers/izban/download_solution) Solution by Errichto : [](https://www.hackerrank.com/rest/contests/hack-the-interview-ii-global/challenges/flipped-beauty/hackers/Errichto/download_solution)

I don't get what is len = m-2-2*p in the first solution ? Although both the solutions are same. Thank you.