Consider a B+ -tree in which the maximum number of keys in a node is 5. What…

2010

Consider a B+ -tree in which the maximum number of keys in a node is 5. What is the minimum number of keys in any non-root node?

  1. A.

    1

  2. B.

    2

  3. C.

    3

  4. D.

    4

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Correct answer: B

Answer: 2

Reasoning:

  • Maximum number of keys in a node = 5, so the maximum number of children = 5 + 1 = 6.

  • Every non-root node must have at least ceil(maximum children / 2) children = ceil(6 / 2) = 3 children.

  • Minimum number of keys = minimum children - 1 = 3 - 1 = 2.

Note: The root is allowed to have fewer keys, but the question asks about any non-root node.

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