$.$ Explain the term masking. How is it useful for data representation? Explain the concept using an example. $[5$ marks$]$

Q$2.[10$ marks$]$

a$.$ For a floating$-$point format with a k $-$bit exponent and an n $-$bit fraction, give a formula for the smallest positive integer that cannot be represented exactly $($because it would require an n $+1$bit fraction to be exact$).$

b$.$ What is the numeric value of this integer for single$-$precision format $($k $=8,$ n $=23)?$

Q$3.$ Write a $$C$$ code to check for even or odd number using bitwise operators. $[10$ marks$]$