Signal: DP has a dimension for 'number of items/groups/splits used', and it's constrained to exactly . Check: removing the constraint, is the problem easier? If yes, Aliens might help.
Verify: is the optimal value convex in the count? Graph small cases to confirm. Combine: Aliens removes one dimension, but the remaining DP might still need improvement (CHT, D&C, etc.). If removing the "exactly " constraint simplifies the problem significantly, Aliens might apply.