2.1. Signed Arithmetic and Overflow

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define signed arithmetic.

   Hint

   Think about how numbers can be represented in binary.

2. 2.

   What indicates when an overflow occurs?

   Hint

   Recall how two positive numbers added together might produce a negative result.

3. 3.

   What is signed arithmetic primarily used for?

   • Representing only positive numbers
   • Representing both positive and negative numbers
   • Performing only addition operations

   Hint

   Consider the necessity of dealing with negative values.

4. 4.

   True or False: Overflow can only occur with signed numbers.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember that overflow pertains to the limits of representation.

5. 5.

   If you add 0110 (6) and 0101 (5) in a 3-bit signed system, what will be the result and what flags will be set?

   Hint

   Remember that in 3 bits, the range is limited.

6. 6.

   Design a simple algorithm that utilizes signed arithmetic to calculate the sum of an array containing both positive and negative numbers.

   Hint

   Think about how you’d handle complications with the addition.