Skip to content
GATEiit

GATE CSE 2020 Q39: IEEE-754 single precision division 0x42200000 / 0xC1200000

Question

Consider three registers R1, R2, and R3 that store numbers in IEEE-754 single precision floating point format. Assume that R1 and R2 contain the values (in hexadecimal notation) 0x42200000 and 0xC1200000, respectively.

If R3=R1R2R3 = \dfrac{R1}{R2}, what is the value stored in R3?

Try it: multiple choice: exactly one correct option

Select one option
Wrong answer costs 2/3 mark in GATE.
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B (official GATE 2020 final answer key)

Concept used: Decode sign, biased exponent (bias 127) and mantissa, divide, then re-encode.

First step: 0x42200000 has exponent 132−127=5132 - 127 = 5 and mantissa 1.01, so it is 4040; 0xC1200000 is −10-10.

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

More Computer Organization and Architecture PYQs

PracticePractise Computer Organization and Architecture questions →Full paperAll GATE CSE 2020 questions →