Number Conversions

INTRODUCTION

Number System- A number system defines a set of values to represent quantity. We talk about the
 number of people attending a class
 number of modules taken by each student
 numbers to represent grade.

Categories of Number System

Number System can be categorized in two systems:-
(a) Non-Positional Number System
(b) Positional Number System

Non-Positional Number System- In ancient times, people used to count on fingers, when the fingers
became insufficient for counting, stones, pebbles or sticks were used to indicate values.

Positional Number System- In this system the value of each digit is defined not by the symbol but
also by the symbol position. Positional Number System is used to perform arithmetic. Existing
Positional number system decimal number system.
Apart from the decimal number system, there are
 Binary number system,
 Octal number system and
 Hexadecimal number system.
Different Kinds Of Numeration Systems
Let's count from zero to twenty using four different kinds of numeration systems: hash marks, Roman
numerals, decimal, and binary:
System: Hash Marks Roman Decimal Binary
------- ---------- ----- ------- ------
Zero n/a n/a 0 0

One | I 1 1

Two || II 2 10

Three ||| III 3 11

Four |||| IV 4 100

Five /|||/ V 5 101

Six /|||/ | VI 6 110

Seven /|||/ || VII 7 111

Eight /|||/ ||| VIII 8 1000

Nine /|||/ |||| IX 9 1001

Ten /|||/ /|||/ X 10 1010

Eleven /|||/ /|||/ | XI 11 1011

Twelve /|||/ /|||/ || XII 12 1100

Thirteen /|||/ /|||/ ||| XIII 13 1101

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 Fourteen /|||/ /|||/ |||| XIV 14 1110

Fifteen /|||/ /|||/ /|||/ XV 15 1111

Sixteen /|||/ /|||/ /|||/ | XVI 16 10000

Seventeen /|||/ /|||/ /|||/ || XVII 17 10001

Eighteen /|||/ /|||/ /|||/ ||| XVIII 18 10010

Nineteen /|||/ /|||/ /|||/ |||| XIX 19 10011

Twenty /|||/ /|||/ /|||/ /|||/ XX 20 10100

An Interesting Footnote
The one of the first electronic digital computers, was the Eniac. The designers of the Eniac chose to
represent numbers in decimal form, digitally, using a series of circuits called "ring counters" instead
of just going with the binary numeration system, in an effort to minimize the number of circuits required
to represent and calculate very large numbers.

This approach turned out to be counter-productive, and virtually all digital computers since then have
been purely binary in design.

Base (Radix)- In the number system the base or radix tells

 the number of symbols used in the system.

In the earlier days, different civilisations were using different radixes.

 The Egyptian used the radix 2,
 the Babylonians used the radix 60 and
 Mayans used 18 and 20.

The base of a number system is indicated by a subscript (decimal number) and this will be followed
by the value of the number. For example (952)10, (456)8, (314)16

Number System that are used by the computers-

 Decimal System
 Binary System
 Octal System
 Hexadecimal System

Decimal System- The decimal system is the system which we use in everyday counting. The number
system includes the ten digits from 0 through 9. These digits are recognized as the symbols of the
decimal system. Each digit in a base ten number represents units ten times the units of the digit to its
right.

Example-
3 2 0
9542= 9000 + 500 + 40 +2= (9 × 10 ) + (5 × 10 ) + (4 × 10) + (2× 10 )

Binary System - Computers do not use the decimal system for counting and arithmetic. Their CPU and
memory are made up of millions of tiny switches that can be either in ON and OFF states. 0
represents OFF and 1 represents ON. In this way we use binary system. Binary system has two
th
numbers 0 and 1. Binary system has base 2 therefore the weight of n bit of the number from Right
th n-1
Hand Side is n bit × 2 .

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Octal System- The octal system is commonly used with computers. The octal number system with its 8
digit 0,1,2,3,4,5,6, and 7 has base 8. The octal system uses a power of 8 to determine the digit of a
number’s position.

Hexadecimal System- Hexadecimal is another number system that works exactly like the decimal,
binary and octal number systems, except that the base is 16. Each hexadecimal represents a power of
16. The system uses 0 to 9 numbers and A to F characters to represent 10 to 15 respectively.

Conversions
Any number in one number system can be converted into any other number system. There are the
various methods that are used in converting numbers from one base to another.

Conversions of Decimal to Binary

The method that is used for converting of decimals into binary is known as the remainder method. We
use the following steps in getting the binary number-
1. Divide the decimal number by 2.
2. Write the remainder (which is either 0 or 1) at the right most position.
3. Repeat the process of dividing by 2 until the quotient is 0 and keep writing the remainder after
each step of division.
4. Write the remainders in reverse order.

Example- Convert (45)10 into binary number system.

2 45 Remainder

2 22 1

2 11 0

2 5 1

2 2 1

2 1 0

0 1

Thus (45)10 = (101101)

Note- In every number system-

 The first bit from the right is referred as LSB (Least Significant Bit)
 The first bit from the left is referred as MSB (Most Significant Bit)

Conversions of Decimal Fractions to Binary Fractions

For converting decimal fractions into binary fractions, we use multiplication. Instead of looking for a
remainder we look for an integer. The following steps are used in getting the binary fractions-
1. Multiply the decimal fraction by 2.
2. If a non-zero integer is generated, record the non-zero integer otherwise record 0.
3. Remove the non-zero integer and repeat the above steps till the fraction
4. value becomes 0.
5. Write down the number according to the occurrence.
Example- Find the binary equivalent of (0.75)10.

Number (to be recorded)

0.75 × 2 = 1.50 1
0.50 × 2 = 1.00 1

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Thus (0.75)10= (0.11)2.
Moreover, we can write (45.75)10= (101101.11)2.

Remark- If the conversion is not ended and still continuing; we write the approximation in 16 bits.

Example- Find the binary equivalent of (0.9)10.

Number (to be recorded)
0.9 × 2 = 1.8 1
0.8 × 2 = 1.6 1
0.6 × 2 = 1.2 1
0.2 × 2 = 0.4 0
0.4 × 2 = 0.8 0
0.8 × 2 = 1.6 1
0.6 × 2 = 1.2 1
0.2 × 2 = 0.4 0
0.4 × 2 = 0.8 0
0.8 × 2 = 1.6 1
0.6 × 2 = 1.2 1
0.2 × 2 = 0.4 0
0.4 × 2 = 0.8 0
0.8 × 2 = 1.6 1
0.6 × 2 = 1.2 1
0.2 × 2 = 0.4 0
0.4 × 2 = 0.8 0
0.8 × 2 = 1.6 1

Thus (0.9)10 = (0.111001100110011001)2.

Conversion of Decimal to Octal

In converting decimal to octal, we follow the same process of converting decimal to binary. Instead of
dividing the number by 2, we divide the number by 8.

Example- Convert (45)10 into octal number system.

8 45 Remainder

8 5 5

8 0 5

Thus (45)10= (55)8.

Conversions of Decimal Fractions to Octal Fractions

We follow the same steps of conversions of decimal fractions to binary fractions. Here we multiply the
fraction by 8 instead of 2.

Example- Find the octal equivalent of (0.75)10.

Number (to be recorded)

0.75 × 8 = 6.00 6

Thus (0.75)10= (0.6)8. And (45.75)10= (55.6)8.

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Conversion of Decimal to Hexadecimal
We divide by 16 instead of 2 or 8. If the remainder is in between 10 to 16, then the number is
represented by A to F respectively.

Example- Convert (45)10 into hexadecimal.

16 45 Remainder

16 2 D

16 0 2

Thus (45)10= (2D)16.

Conversions of Decimal Fractions to Hexadecimal Fractions

Here we multiply the fraction by 16 instead of 2 or 8. If the non-zero integer is in between 10 to 16,
then the number is represented by A to F respectively
Example- Find the hexadecimal equivalent of (0.75)10.

Number (to be recorded)

0.75 × 16 = 12.00 C (12 = C)

Thus (0.75)10= (0.C)16.

And (45.75)10= (2D.C)16.

Conversions of Binary to Decimal

In converting binary to decimal, we use the following steps-
1. Write the weight of each bit.
2. Get the weighted value by multiplying the weighted position with the respective bit.
3. Add all the weighted value to get the decimal number.

Example- Convert (101101)2 into decimal number system.

Binary 1 0 1 1 0 1
Number

Wt. of each 5 4 3 2 1 0
Bit 2 2 2 2 2 2

Weighted 5 4 3 2 0×2 0
Value 1×2 0×2 1×2 1×2 1×2

Solved 32 0 8 4 0 1
Multiplication

Thus (101101)2
5 4 3 2 0
=1×2 +0×2 +1×2 +1×2 +0×2+1×2 .
= 32 + 0 + 8 + 4 + 0 + 1
= 45

Conversions of Binary Fractions to Decimal Fractions

The conversions of binary fractions to the decimal fractions is similar to conversion of binary numbers
to decimal numbers. Here, instead of a decimal point we have a binary point. The exponential
-1 -2
expressions (or weight of the bits) of each fractional placeholder is 2 , 2 ………

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Example- Convert (101101.11)2 into decimal number system.

Binary 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1
Number

Wt. of each 5 4 3 2 1 0 -1 -2
Bit 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Weighted 5 4 3 2 0×2 0 -1 -2
Value 1×2 0×2 1×2 1×2 1×2 1×2 1×2

Solved 32 0 8 4 0 1 0.5 0.25

Multiplication

Thus (101101.11)2= 32 + 0 + 8 + 4 + 0 + 1 + 0.5 +

0.25
= 45.75

Conversions of Binary to Octal

We use the following steps in converting binary to
octal-
1. Break the number into 3-bit sections starting from LSB to MSB.
2. If we do not have sufficient bits in grouping of 3-bits, we add zeros to the left of MSB so that all
the groups have proper 3-bit number.
3. Write the 3-bit binary number to its octal equivalent.

Example- Convert (101101)2 into octal.

Binary 101 101

Number
Octal 5 5
Number

Thus (101101)2 = (55)8.

Example- Convert (1101101)2 into octal.

Binary 001 101 101

Number
Octal 1 5 5
Number

Thus (1101101)2= (155)8.

Conversions of Binary Fractions to Octal Fractions

We use the following steps in converting binary fractions to octal fractions-
1. Break the fraction into 3-bit sections starting from MSB to LSB.
2. In order to get a complete grouping of 3 bits, we add trailing zeros in LSB.
3. Write the 3-bit binary number to its octal equivalent.

Example- Convert (101101.11)2 into octal.

Binary 101 101 110

Number

6
 Octal 5 5 6
Number

Thus (101101)2 = (55.6)8.

Conversions of Binary to Hexadecimal

We convert binary to hexadecimal in the similar manner as we have converted binary to octal. The only
difference is that here, we form the group of 4 –bits.
Example- Convert (101101)2 into hexadecimal.

Binary 0010 1101

Number
Decimal 2 13
Number
Hexadecimal 2 D
Number

Thus (101101)2 = (2D)16.

Conversions of Binary Fractions to Hexadecimal Fractions

We convert binary fractions to hexadecimal fractions in the similar manner as we have converted binary
fractions to octal fractions. The only difference is that here we form the group of 4 – bits.

Example- Convert (101101.11)2 into hexadecimal.

Binary 0010 1101 1100

Number
Decimal 2 13 12
Number
Hexadecimal 2 D C
Number

Thus (101101.11)2 = (2D.C)16.

Conversions of Octal to Decimal

We follow the same steps of conversion of binary to decimal. The only difference is that here weight of
th n-1 n-1
n bit is 8 instead of 2 .

Example- Convert (55)8 into decimal number system.

Octal 5 5
Number
Wt. of each 1 0
8 8
bit
Weighted 5× 8 5×1
Value
Solved 40 5
Multiplication

Thus (55)8 = 40 + 5 = 45

Conversions of Octal Fractions to Decimal Fractions

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 -1 -2
The weight of the bit of the fraction placeholder is 8 , 8 ………. We follow the same steps of
conversion of binary fractions to decimal fractions.

Example- Convert (55.6)8 into decimal number system.

Octal 5 5 6
Number
Wt. of each 1 0 -1
8 8 8
bit
Weighted 5×8 0 -1
5×8 6×8
Value
Solved 40 5 0.75
Multiplication

Thus (55.6)8= 40 + 5 + 0.75 = 45.75

Conversions of Octal to Binary

We use the following steps in converting octal to binary-
1. Convert each octal digit into 3-bit binary equivalent.
2. Combine the 3-bit section by removing the spaces to get the binary number.

Example- Convert (55)8 into binary.

Octal 5 5
Number
Binary 101 101
Number

Thus (55)8 = (101101)2.

Example- Convert (456)8 into binary.

Octal 4 5 6
Number
Binary 100 101 110
Number

Thus (456)8 = (100101110)2.

Conversions of Octal Fractions to Binary Fractions

We follow the same steps of conversion of octal to binary.

Example- Convert (55.6)8 into binary.

Octal 5 5 6
Number
Binary 101 101 110
Number

Thus (55.6)8 = (101101.11)2.

Conversions of Octal to Hexadecimal-
The conversion involves the following steps-
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 1. Convert each octal digit to 3 –bit binary form.
2. Combine all the 3-bit binary numbers.
3. Group them in 4-bit binary form by starting from MSB to LSB.
4. Convert these 4-bit blocks into their hexadecimal symbols.

Example- Convert (55)8 into hexadecimal.

Octal 5 5
Number
Binary 101 101
Number

Combining the 3-bit binary block, we have 101101.

Grouping them in 4 bit binary form-

Binary 0010 1101

Number
Hexadecimal 2 D
Symbol

Thus (55)8 = (2D)16.

Conversions of Octal Fractions to Hexadecimal Fractions

The method of conversion is based on the same procedure that we have discussed in conversions of
octal to hexadecimal.

Example- Convert (55.6)8 into hexadecimal.

Octal 5 5 6
Number
Binary 101 101 110
Number

Combining the 3-bit binary block, we have 101101.110.

Grouping them in 4 bit binary form-

Binary 0010 1101 1100

Number
Hexadecimal 2 D C
Symbol

Thus (55)8 = (2D.C)16.

Conversions of Hexadecimal to Decimal

We do the conversion of hexadecimal to decimal as we have done the conversion of binary to decimal.
th n-1 n-1
Here weight of n bit is 16 instead of 2 .
Example- Convert (2D)16 into decimal.

Hexadecimal 2 D(=13)
Number
Wt. of each 1 0
16 16
bit

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 Weighted 2 × 16 0
13 × 16
Value
Solved 32 13
Multiplication

Thus (2D)16= 32 + 13 = 45.

Conversions of Hexadecimal Fractions to Decimal Fractions

We do the conversion of hexadecimal fractions to decimal fractions in the similar manner as we have
-1 -2
done the conversion of binary fractions to decimal fractions. Here weight of bit is 16 , 16 …….

Example- Convert (2D.C)16 into decimal.

Hexadecimal 2 D(=13) C(=12)

Number
Wt. of each 1 0 -1
16 16 16
bit
Weighted 2 × 16 0 -1
13 × 16 12 × 16
Value
Solved 32 13 0.75
Multiplication

Thus (2D.C)16= 32 + 13 + 0.75 = 45.75.

Conversions of Hexadecimal to Binary

We use the following steps-
1. Convert each hexadecimal digit to its 4-bit binary equivalent.
2. Combine all the binary numbers.

Example- Convert (2D)16 into binary.

Hexadecimal 2 D(=13)
Number
Binary 0010 1101
Number

Thus (2D)16 = (00101101)2= (101101)2.

Conversions of Hexadecimal Fractions to Binary Fractions

We use the same steps of hexadecimal to binary conversion.
Example- Convert (2D.C)16 into binary.

Hexadecimal 2 D(=13) C(=12)

Number
Binary 0010 1101 1100
Number

Thus (2D.C)16 = (00101101.1100)2= (101101.11)2.

Conversions of Hexadecimal to Octal We convert each hexadecimal digit in binary. Combine

all the binary numbers. Again group them into 3-bit form. Convert the 3-bit block in octal.

Example- Convert (2D)16 into octal.

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 Hexadecimal 2 D(=13)
Number
Binary 0010 1101
Number

Combining the binary number, we get

00101101=101101
Grouping the binary number in 3-bit

Binary 101 101

Number
Octal 5 5
Number

Thus (2D)16 = (55)8.

Conversions of Hexadecimal Fractions to Octal Fractions

We follow the same steps of hexadecimal to octal conversion.

Example- Convert (2D.C)16 into octal.

Hexadecimal 2 D(=13) C(=12)

Number
Binary 0010 1101 1100
Number
Combining the binary number, we get
00101101.1100=101101.11
Grouping the binary number in 3-bit
Binary 101 101 110
Number
Octal 5 5 6
Number
Thus (2D.C)16 = (55.6)8.

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