Exploring The Binary Number System
Exploring The Binary Number System
Number System
Binary, the fundamental building block of digital technology, is a number system
that represents all information using only two digits: 0 and 1. Understanding
binary is crucial for navigating the digital world and unlocking the full potential
of modern computing.
by Mohammed Abul
Introduction to Binary: A Base-2 Number
System
1 Base-2 Numbering 2 Digital Representation 3 Fundamental to
Binary is a base-2 number system, In binary, information is stored and Computing
meaning it uses only two digits (0 processed as a series of 0s and 1s, Binary forms the foundation of
and 1) to represent all numeric which computers can easily interpret digital electronics and is essential
values. and manipulate. for the functioning of modern
computers and digital devices.
Representing Numbers with Binary Digits
(Bits)
Bits and Bytes Binary Representation Coding and Storage
In binary, the basic unit of information is a Each digit in a binary number, called a bit, Binary digits are used to encode and store
bit, which can have a value of either 0 or represents a power of 2 (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, all types of digital information, from text
1. Multiple bits are combined to form etc.), allowing for the representation of and images to audio and video files,
bytes, the fundamental building blocks of any integer value. enabling the digital revolution.
digital data.
Decimal vs. Binary:
Exploring the
Differences
1 Decimal System
The decimal number system is a base-10 system that uses the
digits 0-9 to represent values.
2 Binary System
The binary number system is a base-2 system that uses only
the digits 0 and 1 to represent values.
3 Conversion
Decimal numbers can be converted to binary and vice versa,
allowing for effective communication between humans and
computers.
Converting Decimal to
Binary: Step-by-Step
Examples
Divide by 2
1 To convert a decimal number to binary, repeatedly divide the
number by 2 and record the remainders.
Read Remainders
2 The binary representation is formed by reading the remainders in
reverse order, starting with the last remainder.
Example Conversions
3 Convert decimal numbers, such as 7, 15, and 32, to their binary
equivalents using this step-by-step process.
Place Value in Binary:
Powers of 2
Positional Notation Place Value
In binary, each digit (bit) The value of a binary number is
represents a power of 2, with the determined by the sum of the
rightmost bit representing 2^0 (1), products of each bit and its
the next 2^1 (2), and so on. corresponding power of 2.