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[[File:binary.png|frame|right|This is a basic concept in computer science]]
[[File:binary.png|frame|right|This is a basic concept in computer science]]
In mathematics and digital electronics, a binary number is a number expressed in the binary numeral system or base-2 numeral system which represents numeric values using two different symbols: typically 0 (zero) and 1 (one). The base-2 system is a positional notation with a radix of 2. Because of its straightforward implementation in digital electronic circuitry using logic gates, the binary system is used internally by almost all modern computers and computer-based devices. Each digit is referred to as a bit.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_number</ref>


== Binary ==  
== Binary ==  
This is one of the better videos I've seen on binary.  
This is one of the better videos I've seen on binary. Content gratefully used with permission :  <ref>http://cs50.tv/2015/fall/#license,psets</ref>




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== Binary Translation table ==  
== Basic Definitions ==  


* '''bit''': The bit represents a logical state with one of two possible values
* '''byte''': A group of 8 adjacent binary digits (8 bits), on which a computer operates as a unit
* '''binary''': The binary numeral system is a base 2 number system.
* '''denary/decimal''': The decimal numeral system (also called base 10 or occasionally denary) has ten as its base.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decimal</ref>
* '''hexadecimal''': In mathematics and computing, hexadecimal (also base 16, or hex) is a positional numeral system with a radix, or base, of 16<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexadecimal</ref>. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrFHGtGdOzA Click here for an excellent video about hexidecimal]
== Binary translation table ==
I find it helpful to draw this table when I must convert binary to [[base 10]]. It also helps when looking at the video above.
{| style="width: 95%;" class="wikitable"
{| style="width: 95%;" class="wikitable"
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== Do you understand binary? ==  
== A helpful cheat sheet ==
<br />
[[File:NumberSystems.png|400px]]
<br />
 
 
 
== How to add two binary numbers ==
Adding binary is straight forward. Line up the numbers as you would if you were adding base-10 numbers.
 
Remember this:
 
<code>
0 + 0 = 0
 
0 +  1 = 1
 
1 + 0  = 1


[[Media:Binary conversion.pdf | Click here to test yourself]]
1 + 1 = 10, so write a 0 and carry the 1 to the next column.
</code>
 
== What you must know ==
 
You must be able to correctly answer the following questions:  
 
* Define the term:  '''bit'''
* Define the term:  '''byte'''
* Define the term:  '''binary'''
* Define the term:  '''denary/decimal''' (they refer to the same thing)
* Define the term:  '''hexadecimal'''


== Why is this so important? ==
== Why is this so important? ==


If we can represent numbers as '''1 and 0''', why not represent numbers as '''on and off'''? If we can represent letters as numbers (A = 65, B = 66) couldn't we also say A =  01000001 and B = 01000010?  
If we can represent numbers as '''1 and 0''', why not represent numbers as '''on and off'''? If we can represent letters as numbers (A = 65, B = 66) couldn't we also say A =  01000001 and B = 01000010? We can follow this line of thinking and make north / south, up / down, and low / high. Simple constructions that we can use to represent more complex numbers and even letters.
 
Binary representation is the essence of how computers work.
 
== Resources ==
 
[[Media:9781284069501 PPTx Chapter02.ppt | Click here for a slide deck that covers this topic nicely]]
 
== References ==
 
<references />


Binary representation is the essence of how computers work.


[[Category:Binary]]
[[Category:computer organization]]
[[Category:Very important ideas in computer science]]
[[Category:Very important ideas in computer science]]

Latest revision as of 09:07, 22 October 2020

This is a basic concept in computer science

In mathematics and digital electronics, a binary number is a number expressed in the binary numeral system or base-2 numeral system which represents numeric values using two different symbols: typically 0 (zero) and 1 (one). The base-2 system is a positional notation with a radix of 2. Because of its straightforward implementation in digital electronic circuitry using logic gates, the binary system is used internally by almost all modern computers and computer-based devices. Each digit is referred to as a bit.[1]


Binary[edit]

This is one of the better videos I've seen on binary. Content gratefully used with permission : [2]


Basic Definitions[edit]

  • bit: The bit represents a logical state with one of two possible values
  • byte: A group of 8 adjacent binary digits (8 bits), on which a computer operates as a unit
  • binary: The binary numeral system is a base 2 number system.
  • denary/decimal: The decimal numeral system (also called base 10 or occasionally denary) has ten as its base.[3]
  • hexadecimal: In mathematics and computing, hexadecimal (also base 16, or hex) is a positional numeral system with a radix, or base, of 16[4]. Click here for an excellent video about hexidecimal

Binary translation table[edit]

I find it helpful to draw this table when I must convert binary to base 10. It also helps when looking at the video above.

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1

A helpful cheat sheet[edit]


NumberSystems.png


How to add two binary numbers[edit]

Adding binary is straight forward. Line up the numbers as you would if you were adding base-10 numbers.

Remember this:

0 + 0 = 0

0 + 1 = 1

1 + 0 = 1

1 + 1 = 10, so write a 0 and carry the 1 to the next column.

What you must know[edit]

You must be able to correctly answer the following questions:

  • Define the term: bit
  • Define the term: byte
  • Define the term: binary
  • Define the term: denary/decimal (they refer to the same thing)
  • Define the term: hexadecimal

Why is this so important?[edit]

If we can represent numbers as 1 and 0, why not represent numbers as on and off? If we can represent letters as numbers (A = 65, B = 66) couldn't we also say A = 01000001 and B = 01000010? We can follow this line of thinking and make north / south, up / down, and low / high. Simple constructions that we can use to represent more complex numbers and even letters.

Binary representation is the essence of how computers work.

Resources[edit]

Click here for a slide deck that covers this topic nicely

References[edit]