Multiple choice technology programming languages

What is the maximum value that can be stored in S9(8) COMP?

  1. 9999999

  2. 99999999

  3. 999999999

  4. 99999998
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B Correct answer
Explanation

S9(8) COMP is a COBOL packed decimal format with 8 digits. In COMP format, numeric values are stored in binary. The maximum positive value for a signed 32-bit binary integer is 2^31 - 1 = 2,147,483,647, which can accommodate 8 nines (99,999,999). A 9-digit number like 999,999,999 would exceed the maximum capacity of a standard 32-bit COMP field.

AI explanation

PIC S9(8) COMP defines a signed numeric field with 8 decimal digits stored in binary (COMP) format. The PICTURE clause constrains the usable value range to 8 digits regardless of the extra binary storage headroom, so the maximum magnitude is 99999999 (eight nines). 9999999 has only 7 digits, too few. 999999999 has 9 digits, exceeding the declared PIC size. 99999998 is simply one less than the true maximum, not the maximum itself. So 99999999 is correct.

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