Overflow error occurs when the number of bits needed exceeds the available bits during binary addition.

Overflow error occurs when the number of bits needed exceeds the available bits during binary addition.

• A. When the number of bits you need exceed the number of bits you have in binary addition
• B. When memory runs out
• C. When a program runs too slowly
• D. When input data is invalid

Answer: (A)

Overflow in binary addition happens when the result would need more bits than the fixed width available to store numbers. If you’re using a fixed number of bits (like 8 bits for an unsigned integer) and the sum exceeds what can be represented, the extra carry is discarded, so the stored value is incorrect. For example, 200 plus 100 equals 300, which needs 9 bits to represent, but an 8-bit system can only store up to 255; the result wraps around to a smaller value. This isn’t about memory, speed, or data validity—it’s about the representation limit of the chosen bit width causing the stored result to be wrong.

Overflow in binary addition happens when the result would need more bits than the fixed width available to store numbers. If you’re using a fixed number of bits (like 8 bits for an unsigned integer) and the sum exceeds what can be represented, the extra carry is discarded, so the stored value is incorrect. For example, 200 plus 100 equals 300, which needs 9 bits to represent, but an 8-bit system can only store up to 255; the result wraps around to a smaller value. This isn’t about memory, speed, or data validity—it’s about the representation limit of the chosen bit width causing the stored result to be wrong.