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GATE CSE 2021 Set 2 Q54: 2-byte value 255 larger on little endian than on big endian

Question

If the numerical value of a 2-byte unsigned integer on a little endian computer is 255 more than that on a big endian computer, which of the following choices represent(s) the unsigned integer on a little endian computer?

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Select one or more options
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Answer: A, D (official GATE 2021 final answer key)

Concept used: The same two bytes read in the other order swap the high and low bytes.

First step: If the little-endian value is 256h+l256h + l, the big-endian reading is 256l+h256l + h; their difference is 255(h−l)255(h - l), so h−l=1h - l = 1.

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Source: official GATE 2021 Set 2 CS question paper and final answer key, organised by IIT Bombay. Question paper · Answer key

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