Understanding "Hashing and Hash Tables" is crucial for students preparing for school and competitive exams. This topic not only enhances your problem-solving skills but also helps in tackling objective questions effectively. Practicing MCQs related to hashing will significantly improve your grasp of important concepts, making it easier to score better in exams.
What You Will Practise Here
Definition and significance of hashing in computer science
Types of hash functions and their applications
Understanding hash tables and their structure
Collision resolution techniques: chaining and open addressing
Time complexity analysis of hash table operations
Real-world applications of hashing in data storage
Common algorithms associated with hashing
Exam Relevance
The topic of hashing and hash tables frequently appears in CBSE, State Boards, NEET, JEE, and other competitive exams. Students can expect questions that test their understanding of hash functions, collision resolution methods, and the efficiency of hash tables. Common question patterns include multiple-choice questions that require you to identify the correct hash function or resolve a collision scenario.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Confusing hash functions with encryption algorithms
Misunderstanding the concept of collisions and how to resolve them
Overlooking the importance of load factor in hash tables
Failing to analyze the time complexity of different operations
FAQs
Question: What is a hash table? Answer: A hash table is a data structure that implements an associative array, allowing for fast data retrieval using a hash function to compute an index into an array of buckets or slots.
Question: How do collisions occur in hash tables? Answer: Collisions occur when two different keys hash to the same index in a hash table, requiring a method to resolve the conflict.
Start practicing Hashing and Hash Tables MCQ questions today to solidify your understanding and boost your exam readiness. Test your knowledge with our objective questions and prepare to excel!
Q. In a hash table, what is the purpose of the hash function?
A.
To sort the data
B.
To convert keys into hash codes
C.
To store data in a binary tree
D.
To manage memory allocation
Solution
The hash function converts keys into hash codes, which are then used to determine the index in the hash table where the corresponding value is stored.
Correct Answer:
B
— To convert keys into hash codes
Q. What is a potential drawback of using open addressing for collision resolution?
A.
Increased memory usage
B.
Higher time complexity for insertions
C.
Requires a linked list
D.
Cannot handle deletions
Solution
A potential drawback of using open addressing for collision resolution is that it can lead to higher time complexity for insertions as the table fills up.
Correct Answer:
B
— Higher time complexity for insertions
Q. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good hash function?
A.
Deterministic
B.
Uniform distribution
C.
Fast computation
D.
Produces a sorted output
Solution
A good hash function should be deterministic, provide a uniform distribution of hash values, and be fast to compute, but it does not need to produce a sorted output.