1.2 - Binary Number System
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Introduction to the Binary Number System
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Today, we are diving into the Binary Number System, which is essential for understanding how computers work. Can anyone tell me what a binary number looks like?
Isn't it just 0s and 1s?
Exactly! The Binary Number System uses just two symbols: 0 and 1. We call each digit a 'bit.' Why do you think computers use binary?
Because they have circuits that can only be either on or off?
Great observation! The internal circuitry uses these two states to perform operations. Let's remember that: 'Binary = Two States!'
Converting Binary to Decimal
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Now, moving on to conversions. How do we convert a binary number, say 1101, into decimal?
Uh, do we multiply each digit by powers of 2?
Correct! For 1101, we expand it like this: 1×2^3 + 1×2^2 + 0×2^1 + 1×2^0. Can anyone work out that calculation?
That would be 8 + 4 + 0 + 1, which equals 13!
Fantastic! You just converted binary 1101 to decimal 13. Remember, practice will make you proficient!
Converting Decimal to Binary
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Let's flip the process. How do we convert decimal, say 13, into binary?
I think we use successive divisions by 2?
That's right! We keep dividing 13 by 2 and noting the remainders. Let's walk through it together.
So we divide 13 by 2, and that's 6 remainder 1?
Yes! Next, divide 6 by 2. What do we get?
That’s 3 remainder 0. We keep doing this until we reach 0.
Exactly! And reading the remainders from bottom to top gives us our binary number 1101!
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The Binary Number System (base-2) forms the foundation of computing, representing values with bits. It is utilized in converting numbers between binary and decimal, which is essential for various computer functions and data interpretation.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
The Binary Number System is a base-2 numeral system that employs two digits, 0 and 1, making it the simplest number system used in computing. Each digit in a binary number is referred to as a 'bit.' Computers rely on binary because their internal circuitry can only represent two states: on (1) and off (0). This section discusses how to convert binary numbers to decimal and decimal numbers to binary through outlined methods.
For binary to decimal conversion, one expands the binary number using powers of 2, while for decimal to binary conversion, one uses successive divisions by 2. Examples provided include converting the binary number 1101 to decimal, resulting in 13, and the decimal number 13 to binary, resulting in 1101. The knowledge of these conversions is foundational for understanding how computers process numeric data.
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What is Binary?
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
The Binary Number System is the base-2 number system that represents numeric values using two symbols: 0 and 1. Each digit in a binary number is called a bit.
Computers use binary because their internal circuitry (transistors and logic gates) can be in one of two states: on (1) or off (0).
Detailed Explanation
The Binary Number System uses only two digits, 0 and 1, which are essential for computer operations. Each 'bit' represents one of these two states, allowing computers to process a variety of data. The hardware of computers, primarily made up of transistors and logic gates, works in binary because they can only be in one of two states, representing an electric signal being either on or off.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a light switch. The light can either be on (1) or off (0). Similarly, binary works with these two states to represent complex data and instructions to the computer.
Converting Binary to Decimal
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Chapter Content
Binary numbers can be converted to decimal by expanding the binary number using powers of 2:
Example: Convert the binary number 1101 to decimal.
1101_2=1×2^3+1×2^2+0×2^1+1×2^0=8+4+0+1=13_{10}
Detailed Explanation
To convert a binary number to decimal, each bit is multiplied by 2 raised to the power of its position (counting from right to left, starting at 0). For instance, in the binary number 1101, the leftmost bit (1) represents 2^3, the next (1) represents 2^2, the next (0) represents 2^1, and the rightmost (1) represents 2^0. We then add these values together: 8 + 4 + 0 + 1 equals 13 in decimal.
Examples & Analogies
You can think of this like a score in a game where different achievements count as different points. Achieving a harder level gives you more points, similar to how a higher position adds more value in binary conversion.
Converting Decimal to Binary
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Chapter Content
Decimal numbers can be converted to binary using successive division by 2, noting the remainders.
Example: Convert decimal number 13 to binary.
13÷2=6 remainder 1
6÷2=3 remainder 0
3÷2=1 remainder 1
1÷2=0 remainder 1
Reading the remainders from bottom to top gives 1101_2.
Detailed Explanation
To convert a decimal number to binary, repeatedly divide the number by 2 and keep track of the remainders. Start with the decimal number and divide it; the first division gives you a quotient and a remainder. Continue dividing the quotient until you reach zero. The binary number is then formed by reading the remainders in reverse order—bottom to top.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you have 13 apples and you're giving them away in pairs. Every time you give away a pair, you note down that you still have some left until you run out. The remainders you noted down give you the complete picture (or binary representation) of how many pairs and singles you had.
Key Concepts
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Binary Number System: This is the core number system used by computers, based on two symbols.
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Bit: The basic unit in binary representation, indicating a state of on or off.
Examples & Applications
Example of binary to decimal conversion: 1101 to decimal gives 13.
Example of decimal to binary conversion: Decimal 13 converts to binary 1101.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
In Binary, it's 0s and 1s, that’s how a computer runs.
Stories
Once upon a time in a computer’s brain, it could only think in 0s and 1s, but through these, it learned to play.
Memory Tools
To convert from Binary to Decimal, 'Bits are Powers' - remember to calculate each bit's power of 2.
Acronyms
BCD means 'Binary, Convert, Decimal' - a simple way to remember the conversion process.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Binary Number System
A base-2 numeral system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1.
- Bit
A binary digit, the smallest unit of data in computing.
- Decimal Number System
A base-10 numeral system that uses ten digits, 0-9.
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