{"id":"third-max-fallback-to-global-max","text":"When fewer than 3 distinct values exist, `third_max` returns the global maximum (`first`) rather than raising an error or returning a sentinel.","truth_value":"IN","source":"entries/2026/06/06/third-maximum-number-solution.md","source_url":"","source_hash":"","justifications":[],"dependents":[],"metadata":{},"created_at":"","updated_at":"","reviewed_at":"","verified_at":"","retracted_at":"","explanation":{"steps":[{"node":"third-max-fallback-to-global-max","truth_value":"IN","reason":"premise"}]}}