In a packet-switching network, a 48-byte message is split into 24 packets, and…

Concept

A packet consists of its payload plus its header, so packet size = payload size + header size.

When equal-sized packets carry one message, payload per packet = message size ÷ number of packets.

Application

1. Compute the payload in each packet: 48 ÷ 24 = 2 bytes.

2. Add the header: packet size = 2 + 3 = 5 bytes.

Cross-check

Removing the 3-byte header from a 5-byte packet leaves 2 payload bytes; 24 × 2 = 48 bytes, which reproduces the message size.

Therefore, the packet size is 5 bytes.