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Today, we will explore different number systems. Can anyone tell me what a number system is?
Is it a way to represent numbers?
Exactly! A number system is a way to express numbers using a set of symbols. Let's start with the decimal system, which is our standard system using base 10. Can someone tell me what that means?
It means we use digits from 0 to 9.
Correct! Each position in a decimal number represents a power of 10. Now, how about the binary system? Any thoughts on that?
It only uses 0s and 1s, right?
Yes, well done! Binary is crucial for computers. Each bit represents a power of 2. Let's practice converting a decimal number to binary.
Can you give us an example?
Sure! For the decimal number 75, we know that in binary, it’s represented as 1001011. By evaluating each bit, we find its decimal equivalent.
So 1 at the 6th position means 64, right?
Precisely! That's the idea. Always evaluate based on positions. Let's recap: We discussed decimal and binary systems today.
Now, shifting gears, let's discuss octal and hexadecimal number systems. Who remembers the base for octal?
It's base 8, using digits from 0 to 7.
Correct! Converting between decimal and octal, for example, can be done by repeated division. Does anyone want to see how to convert decimal 75 to octal?
Yes, please!
We divide 75 by 8. What do we get?
9 with a remainder of 3.
Exactly! And then dividing 9 by 8 gives us 1 with a remainder of 1. So, read the remainders backward, and we get 113 in octal.
What about hexadecimal?
Great question! Hexadecimal is base 16, using digits 0 to 9 and A to F. Can anyone convert the hex number D12 to decimal?
That would be 13 times 16 squared, plus 1 times 16, plus 2?
Exactly—well done! This completes our overview of number systems.
Let's now move onto how integers are stored in computers using binary. Does anyone know what bits are?
They are 0s and 1s that make up binary numbers?
Exactly! Each bit contributes to the integer’s value. In an 8-bit system, what’s the largest number we can represent?
It would be 255, right?
Great job! Can anyone explain how we get 255?
By adding 2 to the power of each bit position, from 0 to 7!
Exactly! And let's not forget about the concepts of significant bits. Who can tell me what the most significant bit (MSB) and least significant bit (LSB) are?
MSB is the leftmost bit and has the highest value, while LSB is the rightmost bit with the lowest value.
Perfect! Always remember that MSB carries more weight in value while LSB carries less.
Finally, let’s talk about representing negative numbers. Who has heard of sign-magnitude and two's complement?
Two's complement is a method to represent negative numbers in binary.
That’s right! Sign-magnitude simply uses the MSB to indicate the sign. Why do we prefer two’s complement?
It simplifies arithmetic operations with negative numbers?
Exactly! And how do bit sizes affect our computations?
The number of bits determines the range of values we can represent.
Exactly! An 8-bit system limits us to numbers from 0 to 255. Understanding these limits is crucial for computational efficiency.
So, for a 32-bit system, the range would be much larger?
Right again! As we discussed, the higher the number of bits, the larger the range we can cover, allowing more precise data handling.
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The section discusses the different radix systems used in digital computers for information representation, including decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal systems. It explains methods for integer and real number representation, emphasizes the concepts of significant bits, and provides insights into character representation crucial for data processing.
This section, authored by Professors Jatindra Kr. Deka, Santosh Biswas, and Arnab Sarkar, outlines essential aspects of Computer Organization and Architecture with a focus on the pedagogical elements of information representation in digital computers.
The unit has clear objectives:
1. Illustrate the Radix Systems: Discusses various number systems, emphasizing their bases.
2. Integer Representation: Explains how integers are represented in different formats.
3. Real Number Representation: Details how real numbers are portrayed within computer systems.
4. Character Representation: Addresses the significance of characters in data processing and string manipulation.
The section elaborates on different number systems to represent information:
- Decimal (Base 10): The familiar system using digits 0-9.
- Binary (Base 2): Utilizes only 0 and 1; the significance of each bit is illustrated with the decimal equivalent of 75 as an example.
- Octal (Base 8): Uses digits 0-7, explained via conversion methods from decimal.
- Hexadecimal (Base 16): Combines digits 0-9 and letters A-F to represent values.
It further covers how integers are expressed as bits (0s and 1s), the usage of 8-bit systems, and the implications of using different bit sizes, such as ranging from 0 to 255 for 8-bit numbers.
Additionally, methods for representing negative integers (e.g., sign-magnitude and two's complement) are briefly introduced. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these systems for various computational tasks, as they directly influence the computer's processing capabilities.
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Now we are in unit 3 and unit 3 is basically related to information representation and number system. In this unit we are going to see how we are going to represent information for digital computer and the number system that we are going to use for our arithmetic.
So, first of all we are going to state the objective, what is the unit objective of this particular module?
(1) The first objective is illustrate the number system of different radix systems.
(2) Describe the method for integer representation.
(3) Illustrate the method to represent real numbers.
(4) Describe the representation of characters.
In this module, students will learn about digital information representation and number systems crucial for digital computing. The objectives outline several key areas to explore. First, students will gain knowledge of different number systems (often referred to as radix systems), which include binary, decimal, octal, and hexadecimal.
Second, students will learn how to represent integers in binary format, enabling them to understand how computers handle whole numbers. Third, they will explore how to represent real numbers, which can include fractional components, in a computational context. Finally, they will learn about character representation, which is essential for working with text and data processing in computer programs.
Think of learning these number systems as learning different languages to communicate effectively. Just as knowing various languages enables you to converse with people from different backgrounds, understanding number systems allows computers to handle various types of data.
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Now, first we are going to talk about the number system. I think all of you know about the decimal number system where the base of this number system is 10...Similarly when we are going for a binary number system then 75 will be divided by 2 and in that particular case now where we are dividing again this is coming in the unit position and like that it will increase. So, it is 113.
The decimal number system is familiar, using a base of 10, utilizing the digits 0 through 9. In contrast, the binary number system operates on a base of 2, using only 0 and 1, which is essential for digital computers due to their circuitry. To convert a decimal number, like 75, into binary, specific mathematical operations are conducted, resulting in its binary equivalent of 1001011. The segmentation of these processes into more manageable steps can simplify the learning experience.
Think of converting numbers as shopping at different stores. Just like you might go to different stores that only accept certain currencies (dollars or euros), numbers must be converted between systems to be understood by computers.
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So now when we are going to talk about a number system we are having two terms called least significant bit and most significant bit (MSB and LSB)...if we are using a decimal number system decimal number system in that case base is 10.
In discussing number representation, two critical concepts come into play: the Most Significant Bit (MSB) and the Least Significant Bit (LSB). The LSB is the rightmost bit and has the smallest value, while the MSB holds the greatest significance. The number system used affects how many digits or symbols are necessary: for decimal (base 10), eight symbols are needed; for binary (base 2), just two symbols are required. This distinction helps clarify the structure of data representation in computing.
Consider a house where the front room holds the most valuable decorations (the MSB) while the storage room holds items of less value (the LSB). Understanding where to focus your efforts in storage allows you to manage space effectively, much like understanding bits in a number system.
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One important number system that we are having is your hexadecimal...so 0 to 9 ten digits and A to F six characters.
The hexadecimal system is particularly important in computing for its efficiency in representing binary numbers succinctly. With a base of 16, the system incorporates the ten numeric digits (0-9) and six alphabetic characters (A-F) to represent values. This allows for compact representations of binary data, which is beneficial in programming and digital communication.
Using hexadecimal is like summarizing a long story into a short summary. You capture the essence while losing some details, which makes it easier to share with friends—similarly, hexadecimal allows programmers to communicate complex binary information more efficiently.
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Now, we are going to see how we are going to represent integers...So, in this particular case the combination may be all 0s to all 1s.
In digital systems, integers are represented using bits—binary digits that can be either 0 or 1. For instance, the decimal number 41 is encoded in binary as 00101001. This representation allows computers to process numerical information effectively, but also poses challenges such as determining the range of values and managing negative numbers, requiring additional techniques like sign representation and limits based on the number of bits.
Think of representing numbers as coloring a drawing. Each color represents a different value. When using only a few colors (bits), your range and detail are limited. However, using more colors (more bits) allows for a richer and more intricate depiction of your drawing.
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So, when we are going to work with 8 bit numbers then my range will go from 0 to 255...when I am going for 32 bit numbers; that means, we are going to work with 32 bits at a time.
The number of bits used in number representation significantly affects the range of values that can be represented. For 8-bit numbers, the range is 0 to 255, capturing a limited set of values. As more bits are added (12-bit, 16-bit, up to 32-bit), this range expands exponentially, allowing systems to manage larger and more complex data efficiently. Thus, a computer with a 32-bit processor can handle larger integers than one with an 8-bit processor.
Imagine a toy box with limited space for toys. An 8-bit number system is like a small toy box that can store only a few toys (numbers) but as you get a bigger toy box that can hold more, you can collect a larger variety of toys. The size of your box (bits) limits how many toys (values) you can have!
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Key Concepts
Radix Systems: Number systems can have different bases, impacting how numbers are represented.
Integer Representation: The encoding of integers in binary format is crucial for computer arithmetic.
Two's Complement: A method to represent negative integers in a binary system.
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Converting 75 from decimal to binary is 1001011.
The octal representation of 75 is 113, derived from repeated division by 8.
The hexadecimal number D12 equates to its decimal equivalent of 334.
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
Binary's neat, 0s and 1s meet, Octal's base 8, with digits all great.
A computer named Benny loved to count; he used binary, octal, and hex to recount. He discovered through loops, the magic could twirl, as numbers danced in the digital whirl.
For remembering bits: MSB is Most Significant Bit, and LSB is Least Significant Bit. Just think of 'MS' for Most and 'LS' for Least.
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Review the Definitions for terms.
Term: Number System
Definition:
A system for expressing numbers with a consistent set of symbols, such as binary or decimal.
Term: Radix
Definition:
The base of a number system that denotes how many digits it uses.
Term: Binary
Definition:
A base-2 number system that uses two symbols: 0 and 1.
Term: Octal
Definition:
A base-8 number system using digits from 0 to 7.
Term: Hexadecimal
Definition:
A base-16 number system that uses 0-9 and letters A-F to represent values.
Term: Integer Representation
Definition:
The method of encoding integers in binary format.
Term: Most Significant Bit (MSB)
Definition:
The leftmost bit in a binary number, representing the highest value.
Term: Least Significant Bit (LSB)
Definition:
The rightmost bit in a binary number, representing the lowest value.
Term: Two's Complement
Definition:
A method for representing negative numbers in binary by inverting bits and adding one.