2.2.5. Conditional Instructions

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the zero flag indicate?

   Hint

   Think about what condition prompts a jump if zero.

2. 2.

   What happens to the sign flag after an addition of two positive numbers?

   Hint

   Consider the range of results from adding two positives.

3. 3.

   What does the overflow flag indicate?

   • The result is zero
   • The result exceeds the representable limit
   • The last operation was successful

   Hint

   Reflect on how the limits of data representation affect operations.

4. 4.

   True or False: The zero flag indicates that an arithmetic operation is negative.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what each flag represents!

5. 5.

   You are tasked to design a simple arithmetic processor that can handle signed integers. If you add two large positive numbers, how will the overflow and carry flags react? Illustrate with an example.

   Hint

   Analyze the bit patterns carefully!

6. 6.

   Create a flowchart for a program that sums integers until the sum exceeds a certain threshold. Indicate how you would use flags to determine when to stop summing.

   Hint

   Focus on what decisions depend on the flags!