Skip to content
GATEiit

GATE CSE 2020 Q21: Comparing leftover holes for first, next, best and worst fit

Question

Consider allocation of memory to a new process. Assume that none of the existing holes in the memory will exactly fit the process's memory requirement. Hence, a new hole of smaller size will be created if allocation is made in any of the existing holes. Which one of the following statements is TRUE?

Try it: multiple choice: exactly one correct option

Select one option
Wrong answer costs 1/3 mark in GATE.
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C (official GATE 2020 final answer key)

Concept used: Best fit picks the smallest hole that is large enough, so it leaves the smallest remainder.

First step: Compare remainders: any strategy picks some adequate hole; best fit's choice is the smallest adequate one. Then check whether "always larger" can fail for ties.

Full step-by-step solution

Detailed working, common mistakes and linked mock tests will be available with a free GATEiit account. Log-in is coming soon.

Share this question

WhatsAppDownload image

Source: official GATE 2020 CS question paper and final answer key, organised by IIT Delhi. Question paper · Answer key