sherlock-and-cost.py

#!/bin/python3

import math
import os
import random
import re
import sys

#
# Complete the 'cost' function below.
#
# The function is expected to return an INTEGER.
# The function accepts INTEGER_ARRAY B as parameter.
#

def cost(B):
    a = 0
    b = 0
    bi = B[0]
    for i in range(1, len(B)):
        aa = max(a, b + bi - 1)
        bb = max(b + abs(bi - B[i]), a + B[i] - 1)
        a, b, bi = aa, bb, B[i]
    return max(a, b)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    fptr = open(os.environ['OUTPUT_PATH'], 'w')

    t = int(input().strip())

    for t_itr in range(t):
        n = int(input().strip())

        B = list(map(int, input().rstrip().split()))

        result = cost(B)

        fptr.write(str(result) + '\n')

    fptr.close()