A 1000 Kbyte memory is managed using variable partitions but no compaction. It…
1996
A 1000 Kbyte memory is managed using variable partitions but no compaction. It currently has two partitions of sizes 200 Kbytes and 260 Kbytes respectively. The smallest allocation request in Kbytes that could be denied is for?
- A.
151
- B.
181
- C.
231
- D.
541
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Correct answer: B
Total free memory is 540 Kbytes (1000 - 200 - 260). With two allocated partitions, there are at most three free holes. By the Pigeonhole Principle, at least one hole must be 180 Kbytes or larger. Therefore, any request of 180 Kbytes fits, but 181 Kbytes could be denied due to fragmentation.
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