Number System Overview - 7.3.2 | 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 everyone! Today, we’re going to discuss number systems. Can anyone tell me what they understand by a number system?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it's how we categorize and use numbers in different ways, like counting!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! A number system helps us represent quantities. Let's start with the decimal system; it has a base of 10. What numbers do we typically use?

Student 2
Student 2

We use digits from 0 to 9.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! Now, how about the binary system?

Student 3
Student 3

Binary uses 0s and 1s only, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Binary is base 2. Remember: '0' and '1' can represent anything from simple computations to complex calculations in computers. A quick tip: think of Binary as 'B for Base 2.'

Teacher
Teacher

To summarize, the decimal system comprises 10 digits while the binary system only uses 2. This is crucial for understanding how computers operate.

Conversions Between Number Systems

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's discuss conversion methods. How would we convert a decimal number like 75 into binary?

Student 4
Student 4

Do we keep dividing by 2 and keep track of the remainders?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! We divide by 2, note the remainder and repeat until we reach zero. This gives us the binary equivalent of 75: `1001011`.

Student 1
Student 1

What about converting to octal?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! For octal, we divide by 8. So for 75, you'd get `113` in octal. Here’s a mnemonic for remembering: 'Divide until 0' for conversions.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, decimal to binary involves dividing by 2, while decimal to octal involves dividing by 8.

Understanding MSB and LSB

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Teacher
Teacher

Who can explain what MSB and LSB stand for in binary systems?

Student 2
Student 2

MSB is the Most Significant Bit and LSB is the Least Significant Bit.

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! The MSB holds the highest value in a binary number, while the LSB holds the lowest. Remember, 'M for More weighted' represents MSB. Can anyone tell me why this is important?

Student 3
Student 3

Because it affects how we interpret the overall number?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! If the MSB is 1 in a signed system, it indicates a negative number. Summing it up: MSB and LSB are crucial for understanding data representation.

Bit Limitations and Data Ranges

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s chat about how many bits we typically use and what implications that has on the range of values we can represent.

Student 4
Student 4

Is it true that more bits make for a greater range?

Teacher
Teacher

Indeed! For instance, an 8-bit system has a maximum decimal value of 255. For binary, it’s from `00000000` (0) to `11111111` (255). This is often remembered via the formula: 2^n - 1.

Student 1
Student 1

What happens in a 16-bit system?

Teacher
Teacher

Great inquiry! A 16-bit system extends the range to 65,535. Remember: 'Just add 1 bit, double your width!'

Teacher
Teacher

To summarize this session: More bits enhance range; 8 bits represent up to 255, while 16 bits can represent values up to 65,535.

Introduction & Overview

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

Quick Overview

This section provides an overview of various number systems used in digital computers, detailing their bases, representations, and conversion methods.

Standard

The section explores the different number systems including decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal systems. It explains the representation of integers and real numbers, methods for converting between systems, and concepts such as least significant bit and most significant bit.

Detailed

Number System Overview

In this section, we delve into the foundational aspects of number systems, integral to understanding digital computers. The primary number systems covered include:

  1. Decimal System (Base 10): Commonly used by humans, it comprises symbols ranging from 0 to 9. Graphics such as where '75' in decimal translates to its binary equivalent, illustrate how positional weight affects numerical representation.
  2. Binary System (Base 2): Utilizes only two symbols (0 and 1). Each position represents a power of 2, leading to a fundamental understanding of how computers store and process data. For example, the binary representation of 75 is 1001011.
  3. Octal System (Base 8): Similar to decimal but contains symbols from 0 to 7. The conversion from decimal to octal involves dividing the number by 8, yielding remainders that correspond to octal digits.
  4. Hexadecimal System (Base 16): Contains symbols from 0-9 and A-F, crucial in programming and computer science for representing binary data compactly. For instance, the hexadecimal number D12 translates to a specific decimal value through its positional powers, which many programmers find more convenient than pure binary.

Key Concepts:

  • Most Significant Bit (MSB) and Least Significant Bit (LSB): These terms denote the highest and lowest bits' positions in binary representation, impacting data interpretation.
  • The representation of integers in binary leads to discussions about bit limitations and methods to indicate negative numbers through sign magnitude or two's complement.
  • Ranges such as those available in 8-bit to 32-bit systems illustrate varying capacities of numerical storage.

Through this exploration, readers gain a comprehensive view of how information representation and number systems are essential to digital computing.

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Audio Book

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Introduction to Number Systems

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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 or in general we say radix system. Consider an example of decimal number say 75 and I just ask you if you have written as 10, it means that the base of this number system is 10. So, now, 75 how we are going to evaluate the value of 75, it is 7 × 10^1 + 5 × 10^0, so 70 + 5 this is 75.

Detailed Explanation

A number system is a way to represent numbers using a consistent set of symbols. The decimal number system, which is what we commonly use, is based on the number 10. For instance, the number 75 is evaluated by breaking it down into its components based on the powers of 10: 7 is in the 'tens' position (10^1) and 5 is in the 'ones' position (10^0). When we multiply and add these together (710 + 51), we arrive at the final value of 75.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the decimal system like counting candies. If you have 7 bags of candies (where each bag has 10 candies) and 5 loose candies, altogether you have 75 candies: 70 from the bags (7*10) and 5 from the loose candies.

Binary Number System

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Now, what is the binary equivalent of this particular 75? ... 75 in decimal number system will be represented with 1001011 in binary number system.

Detailed Explanation

The binary number system uses base 2, which only includes two symbols: 0 and 1. To convert a decimal number like 75 into binary, we repeatedly divide by 2, noting the remainders. The binary equivalent of 75 is 1001011, which reflects how the number can be expressed as a sum of powers of 2, showing the importance of each bit position in representing numeric values in a digital context.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine flipping a light switch on (1) or off (0) for each bit in a light display. If you have 7 switches representing 7 binary bits, '1001011' shows which lights are turned on (1) and which are off (0), creating a unique configuration that represents the number 75.

Octal Number System

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Like that we are having different radix system and for example, I am giving another base system which is your 8 base is 8. ... 75 in decimal number system is equivalent to 113 in octal number system.

Detailed Explanation

The octal number system is based on 8, using the digits 0 to 7. To convert 75 from decimal to octal, we divide by 8, keeping track of the remainders until the division result reaches zero. The sequence of remainders gives us the octal representation, which for 75 is 113, demonstrating how the base affects the representation of values.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the octal system like organizing books into groups of 8. If you have 75 books, you can group them into 9 full stacks of 8 books each, with 3 books left over. So you end up with 113 stacks (9 stacks of 8 and 3 extras).

Number of Symbols in Different Number Systems

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Now, how many numbers or how many symbols we require for a particular number system... in case of binary number system since base is 2 we need only 2 symbols and that 2 symbols that we are using in binary number system is your 0 and 1.

Detailed Explanation

The number of symbols in a number system is determined by its base. For example, the decimal system has 10 symbols (0-9), binary uses 2 symbols (0 and 1), octal has 8 symbols (0-7), and hexadecimal has 16 symbols (0-9, A-F). Understanding the number of symbols is crucial for working within those systems effectively.

Examples & Analogies

Consider each number system as a different language. Just like English uses 26 letters, the binary language uses only 2 'letters' (0 and 1), while octal uses 8 'letters.' Each language has its own way of expressing ideas, which in this case are numbers.

Hexadecimal Number System

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One important number system that we are having is your hexadecimal... total 16 character.

Detailed Explanation

Hexadecimal is a base 16 number system that uses the symbols 0-9 for values 0-9 and A-F for values 10-15. This system is often used in computing because it allows for a more compact representation of binary numbers. For instance, instead of writing a long string of binary 1s and 0s, you can represent the same value in fewer characters using hexadecimal.

Examples & Analogies

Think of hexadecimal like a shorthand way of writing. Instead of having to explain a complex idea in long sentences, you can summarize it in a word or two. In the digital world, hexadecimal lets you convey binary values in a shorter, simpler format.

Conversion Between Number Systems

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So, conversion from any number system to decimal number system is very easy... This is the way we can just represent our numbers.

Detailed Explanation

Converting numbers between different systems involves understanding their bases. Decimal to other bases can typically be achieved by repeated division by the target base. Conversely, to convert binary or octal numbers into decimal, you evaluate their positional values based on their bases. This understanding is crucial for working with computers and digital systems where different representations are used.

Examples & Analogies

Think of number system conversion like translating one language to another. Just as you would translate 'hello' from English to Spanish ('hola'), converting numbers from decimal to hexadecimal or binary involves understanding how to express the same concept using different symbols or formats.

Integer Representation

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Now, we are going to see how we are going to represent integers. ... This is the way we are going to represent our integer in binary number system.

Detailed Explanation

Representing integers in binary involves converting them into bits, where each bit is either a 0 or a 1. For example, the decimal number 41 is represented in binary as 00101001. This representation reflects the powers of 2 that sum up to the decimal number, providing a clear way to store and manipulate integer values in a computer.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a simple light bulb that can be on (1) or off (0). If you have a set pattern of light bulbs representing the number, you can easily see how that pattern (like 00101001 for 41) corresponds to a specific number in a binary system.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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

Key Concepts

  • Most Significant Bit (MSB) and Least Significant Bit (LSB): These terms denote the highest and lowest bits' positions in binary representation, impacting data interpretation.

  • The representation of integers in binary leads to discussions about bit limitations and methods to indicate negative numbers through sign magnitude or two's complement.

  • Ranges such as those available in 8-bit to 32-bit systems illustrate varying capacities of numerical storage.

  • Through this exploration, readers gain a comprehensive view of how information representation and number systems are essential to digital computing.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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

Examples

  • The decimal number 75 is represented in binary as 1001011.

  • The octal equivalent of decimal 75 is 113.

  • For 3 bits, the maximum positive number is 7 in binary, showing how range increases with bit size.

Memory Aids

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

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Binary's the clue, with no more than two; for every number we do, just think of the queue.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a world where only two colors exist: black and white. In this binary realm, every choice narrows down your options to the simplest form of decision-making.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • B for Base 2 = Binary Basics, D for Decimal = Digits from 0-9.

🎯 Super Acronyms

BUD – Binary, Unary, Decimal to remember different systems.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Decimal System

    Definition:

    A number system with a base of 10 using the digits 0 to 9.

  • Term: Binary System

    Definition:

    A base-2 number system consisting solely of the digits 0 and 1.

  • Term: Octal System

    Definition:

    A base-8 number system using digits from 0 to 7.

  • Term: Hexadecimal System

    Definition:

    A base-16 number system using symbols 0-9 and A-F to represent values.

  • Term: Most Significant Bit (MSB)

    Definition:

    The bit in a binary number with the highest positional value.

  • Term: Least Significant Bit (LSB)

    Definition:

    The bit in a binary number with the lowest positional value.