A hash function defined as f(key)=key mod 7 with linear probing is used to…

2018

A hash function defined as f(key)=key mod 7 with linear probing is used to insert the keys 37, 38, 72, 48, 98, 11, 56 into a table indexed from 0 to 6. What will be the location of key 11?

  1. A.

    3

  2. B.

    4

  3. C.

    5

  4. D.

    6

Attempted by 381 students.

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Correct answer: C

Key steps using f(key) = key mod 7 with linear probing:

  • Insert 37: 37 mod 7 = 2 → place at index 2

  • Insert 38: 38 mod 7 = 3 → place at index 3

  • Insert 72: 72 mod 7 = 2 → index 2 occupied → probe to index 3 (occupied) → probe to index 4 (free) → place at index 4

  • Insert 48: 48 mod 7 = 6 → place at index 6

  • Insert 98: 98 mod 7 = 0 → place at index 0

  • Insert 11: 11 mod 7 = 4 → index 4 is occupied (by 72) → probe to index 5 (free) → place at index 5

  • Insert 56 (remaining key): 56 mod 7 = 0 → index 0 is occupied (by 98) → probe to index 1 (free) → place at index 1

Final table (index : key):

  • Index 0 : 98

  • Index 1 : 56

  • Index 2 : 37

  • Index 3 : 38

  • Index 4 : 72

  • Index 5 : 11

  • Index 6 : 48

Answer: Location of key 11 = 5

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