What is the primary function of a page table in the context of address…
2025
What is the primary function of a page table in the context of address translation within a paging-based memory management system?
- A.
Merges virtual and physical memory into a unified space.
- B.
Reduces memory usage by compressing pages during execution.
- C.
Ensures that unauthorised processes are blocked from memory access.
- D.
Maps virtual page numbers to their respective physical frame numbers.
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Correct answer: D
In a paging-based memory management system, programs use virtual addresses instead of direct physical addresses. The page table is a data structure maintained by the operating system that maps each virtual page number to a corresponding physical frame number. During address translation, the CPU uses this mapping to locate the actual data in physical memory.
For example:
Virtual Address → Virtual Page Number + Offset
Page Table → Finds Physical Frame Number
Physical Address → Physical Frame Number + Offset
This mechanism enables efficient memory management and virtual memory support.