Question 10087 –

Consider a hash table with n buckets, where external (overflow) chaining is used to resolve collisions. The hash function is such that the probability that a key value is hashed to a particular bucket is 1/n. The hash table is initially empty and K distinct values are inserted in the table.

(a) What is the probability that bucket number 1 is empty after the K^th insertion?
(b) What is the probability that no collision has occurred in any of the K insertions?
(c) What is the probability that the first collision occurs at the K^th insertions?

Correct Answer: A