Information Representation and Number systems - 7.3 | 7. Computer Organization and Architecture: A Pedagogical Aspect | Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 1
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Introduction to Number Systems

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Welcome, class! Today we will delve into number systems, which are fundamental to how computers perceive and process data. Can anyone tell me what a number system is?

Student 1
Student 1

Isn’t it just a way to represent numbers?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! A number system provides a consistent way of expressing values. For instance, we will discuss the decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal systems.

Student 3
Student 3

What’s the difference between these systems?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! Each system has a different base or radix. Decimal is base 10, binary is base 2, octal is base 8, and hexadecimal is base 16. Let’s remember this with the acronym 'DBOH' - Decimal, Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal.

Student 2
Student 2

So how does a computer use these different systems?

Teacher
Teacher

Computers primarily use binary, as they function on bits. Each digit represents a power of 2. At the end of our session, I will summarize the significance of these systems.

Decimal to Binary Conversion

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's look at how to convert a decimal number to binary. Can someone provide an example of a decimal number?

Student 4
Student 4

How about 75?

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent choice! To convert 75 to binary, we repeatedly divide by 2, recording the remainders. Who can outline this process with me?

Student 1
Student 1

First, we divide 75 by 2, which gives us 37 remainder 1.

Student 2
Student 2

Then, 37 divided by 2 gives us 18 remainder 1.

Student 3
Student 3

Continuing, 18 divided by 2 gives us 9 remainder 0.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! If we keep going until we reach 0, we compile our binary number in reverse. So what would be the binary of 75?

Student 4
Student 4

It’s 1001011!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Fantastic teamwork! Remember, this conversion process is vital in understanding how computers process data.

Representing Integers in Computing

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Teacher
Teacher

Next, let’s focus on how integers are represented in computers. What do you think a 'bit' represents?

Student 3
Student 3

A bit is a binary digit, either 0 or 1.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! A collection of bits represents an integer. The representation depends on the number of bits used. Can you recall how bits affect the range of values?

Student 1
Student 1

More bits means a larger range of numbers, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly right! For example, with 8 bits, you can represent values from 0 to 255. Let's summarize that: if n is the number of bits, the maximum integer is 2^n - 1.

Student 4
Student 4

What about negative numbers?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! We can represent negative integers using methods such as sign magnitude and two's complement, which we’ll cover next.

Two's Complement and Negative Number Representation

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Before we conclude, let's talk about how negative numbers are represented in binary. Who can explain the two's complement method?

Student 2
Student 2

Isn't it where you invert the bits and add one?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! This allows computers to perform arithmetic operations seamlessly. Let's see how we can convert -3 to two's complement using 4 bits.

Student 3
Student 3

So we start with 3, which is 0011, then invert to 1100 and add 1. So it becomes 1101!

Teacher
Teacher

Great job! Remember, two's complement allows easy addition of positive and negative numbers. Let’s recap what we’ve discussed today.

Teacher
Teacher

Today we’ve highlighted various number systems, learned to convert decimal to binary, discussed integer representations, and methods for representing negative values. Any questions before we end?

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section explores various number systems used in digital computers, including their representation and conversion techniques.

Standard

The section discusses multiple number systems such as decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal, elaborating on their representation and conversions, alongside methods for integer and character representation in computers.

Detailed

In this section, we are introduced to various number systems crucial for digital computer architecture. We begin with the objectives of understanding different radix systems, including decimal (base 10), binary (base 2), octal (base 8), and hexadecimal (base 16). The core of the discussion involves the representation of integers and real numbers, touching upon vital aspects like the least significant bit (LSB) and most significant bit (MSB). Furthermore, we address how to express negative numbers through techniques such as sign magnitude and two's complement, alongside the limitations imposed by the bit size in terms of number representation. Detailed examples and conversion techniques are provided for clarity, framing a fundamental understanding of information representation in computing.

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Introduction to Number Systems

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Now we are in the module of fundamentals of digital computer. We are going to see how we represent information for digital computers and the number system we use for arithmetic.

Detailed Explanation

In digital computers, information must be represented in a way that the computer can process. This involves understanding different number systems, which determine how numbers are represented and manipulated. The main number systems we'll discuss are decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a language that communicates ideas. Just as languages like English or Spanish use different alphabets and rules, number systems use different bases and symbols to express values that computers can understand.

Objectives of the Module

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Objective 1: Illustrate the number system of different radix systems. Objective 2: Describe the method for integer representation. Objective 3: Illustrate the method to represent real numbers. Objective 4: Describe the representation of character.

Detailed Explanation

This module has four main objectives intended to develop a foundational understanding of how numbers are represented in computers. The first objective introduces different types of number systems (such as binary or hexadecimal), while the subsequent objectives focus on integer and real number representations and character handling.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine learning the rules of a board game. Each objective represents a rule or an important aspect. Understanding each rule one by one helps you play the game (or in this case, understand how computers handle different types of data) effectively.

Decimal Number System

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We are talking about the decimal number system where the base of this number system is 10. For example, the decimal number 75 can be evaluated as 7 × 10^1 + 5 × 10^0.

Detailed Explanation

The decimal system is the standard system for denoting integers and non-integer numbers. Each digit in a decimal number has a position value, determined by powers of 10. In our example of 75, it consists of 7 in the 'tens' position and 5 in the 'ones' position, equating to 75.

Examples & Analogies

Think about money: if you have $75, it can be considered as 7 ten-dollar bills and 5 one-dollar bills. Each bill has a specific value based on its position (e.g., a ten-dollar bill is worth more than a one-dollar bill).

Binary Number System

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The binary equivalent of 75 in decimal is 1001011. The binary number system has a radix of 2, meaning it uses only the digits 0 and 1.

Detailed Explanation

Binary is the primary language of computers, using just two digits: 0 and 1. Each digit's position represents a power of 2. For instance, in the binary number 1001011, each digit represents a specific power of 2, which can also be evaluated to confirm it equals 75 in decimal form.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine turning on a light switch. The switch can be in one of two positions: on (1) or off (0). Just as the light switch has two states, binary uses two digits to represent more complex information within a computer.

Octal Number System

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In the octal number system (base 8), 75 in decimal is represented as 113. Conversion to octal can be done by dividing by 8.

Detailed Explanation

The octal number system utilizes eight digits (0-7). To convert a decimal number to octal, you divide the number by 8 and keep track of the remainders. For example, dividing 75 by 8 gives a remainder of 3, leading to an octal equivalent of 113.

Examples & Analogies

If you think of a group of eight friends organizing their meeting times, each friend represents a digit in the octal system. Just as it's easy to keep track of their schedules, it's also straightforward to convert decimal numbers to octal since you're working with a limited set of digits.

Hexadecimal Number System

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In hexadecimal (base 16), the symbols used are 0-9 and A-F, with A representing 10, B for 11, up to F for 15.

Detailed Explanation

The hexadecimal system is used in computing as a more human-friendly representation of binary numbers. It combines numbers and letters to represent decimal values efficiently. For example, the number 255 in decimal is represented as FF in hexadecimal.

Examples & Analogies

Consider how we use abbreviations in daily life to simplify communication. Just like saying 'ASAP' instead of 'as soon as possible,' hexadecimal simplifies the representation of larger binary numbers into a more manageable format.

Understanding Significant Bits

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The terms least significant bit (LSB) and most significant bit (MSB) describe the positions of bits in binary numbers. In the binary number 1001011, the LSB is 1 (far right) and the MSB is 1 (far left).

Detailed Explanation

The LSB is the bit in the far-right position, representing the smallest value, while the MSB is in the far-left position, representing the largest. For instance, in the binary number 1001011, the MSB is more significant due to its higher place value compared to the LSB.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a scoreboard in a game: the last point you scored (LSB) might not be as crucial as the overall score after several rounds (MSB). Each point matters, but some have a larger impact on your performance.

Representation of Integer Values

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To represent integers, we mainly use binary digits (bits). An 8-bit representation can range from 0 to 255.

Detailed Explanation

In binary, each bit has two states (0 or 1). An 8-bit integer allows for 256 unique combinations, spanning from 00000000 (0 in decimal) to 11111111 (255 in decimal). The number of bits directly affects the range of values that can be represented.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a candy jar that can hold a certain number of candies. The jar's size corresponds to the number of bits; a larger jar (more bits) holds more candies (numbers), giving you a wider range to choose from.

Representing Negative Numbers

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There are methods like sign-magnitude and two's complement for representing negative numbers in binary.

Detailed Explanation

Negative numbers can be represented in binary using different techniques. The sign-magnitude method uses one bit to indicate the sign (positive or negative), whereas the two's complement method allows for simpler arithmetic operations by adjusting the binary representation of a number.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a thermometer where the zero point is a balance between positive and negative temperatures. Just as you can go above or below zero, binary numbers can also represent both positive and negative values, revealing a full range of possibilities.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Decimal Number System: A base-10 system involving digits 0-9.

  • Binary Number System: A base-2 system utilized by computers, using 0 and 1.

  • Octal Number System: A base-8 system using digits 0-7.

  • Hexadecimal Number System: A base-16 system using digits 0-9 and letters A-F.

  • Two's Complement: A binary method for representing negative values.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Example of converting 75 in decimal to binary gives 1001011.

  • Using two's complement to represent -3 as 1101 in a 4-bit binary system.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Binary's two, octal's eight, hexadecimal's a sixteen-spate.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a world where binary light switches control everything, where each light being on or off represents a number.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • DBOH for Decimal, Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal.

🎯 Super Acronyms

MSB for Most Significant Bit, LSB for Least Significant Bit.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Number System

    Definition:

    A system for expressing numbers; examples include decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal.

  • Term: Radix

    Definition:

    The base of a number system, determining how many unique digits, including zero, can be used.

  • Term: Bit

    Definition:

    The smallest unit of data in a computer, representing a binary digit (0 or 1).

  • Term: Two's Complement

    Definition:

    A method for representing negative integers in binary, where bits are inverted and one is added.

  • Term: Most Significant Bit (MSB)

    Definition:

    The bit in a binary number with the highest value; represents the largest power of two.

  • Term: Least Significant Bit (LSB)

    Definition:

    The bit in a binary number with the lowest value; represents the smallest power of two.

  • Term: Sign Magnitude

    Definition:

    A method of representing negative numbers in binary by using a sign bit.