Operating Systems - Internal vs External Fragmentation - Compaction & Buddy System
In the buddy system, what is the maximum internal fragmentation percentage for a memory request of size S when allocations are rounded to the nearest power of two?
In the buddy system, what is the maximum internal fragmentation percentage for a memory request of size S when allocations are rounded to the nearest power of two?
medium🧠 Conceptual Q6 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Understand buddy system allocation
Memory is allocated in blocks sized as powers of two, rounding up from request size S.Step 2: Calculate worst-case internal fragmentation
The worst case occurs when S is just over half a power of two, causing allocation of the next power of two block.Step 3: Determine maximum internal fragmentation
Internal fragmentation can be up to nearly 50% of S, but never more.Final Answer:
Option A -> Option AQuick Check:
Internal fragmentation ≤ 50% due to power-of-two rounding [OK]
Quick Trick: Buddy system internal fragmentation maxes just under half request size [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Assuming internal fragmentation is zero
- Overestimating fragmentation as more than 75%
- Confusing internal with external fragmentation
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Option D is incorrect; buddy system does not eliminate internal fragmentation.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Evaluates understanding of internal fragmentation limits in buddy system.
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