Scribd
Upload
39 views3 pages

ITC Data Representation

The document provides an overview of data representation in computers, emphasizing that computers understand binary (0s and 1s) while humans use decimal (base-10). It explains various number systems including binary, decimal, octal, and hexadecimal, along with conversion methods between these systems. Additionally, it offers practical exercises and tips for students to enhance their understanding of data representation and conversions.

Uploaded by

mrcamaraict
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
39 views3 pages

ITC Data Representation

The document provides an overview of data representation in computers, emphasizing that computers understand binary (0s and 1s) while humans use decimal (base-10). It explains various number systems including binary, decimal, octal, and hexadecimal, along with conversion methods between these systems. Additionally, it offers practical exercises and tips for students to enhance their understanding of data representation and conversions.

Uploaded by

mrcamaraict
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Beginners' Guide to Data Representation in Computers

What is Data Representation?

Computers don’t understand text, pictures, or sounds the way humans do. They only
understand binary — 0s and 1s. This is called the Binary Number System, and it's the
foundation of all data in computing.

So when we talk about data representation, we're talking about how numbers, text,
images, audio, and video are turned into 0s and 1s so computers can process and
store them.

Number Systems in Computing


Number System Base Digits Used Example
Binary 2 0, 1 1011
Decimal 10 0–9 234
Octal 8 0–7 175
Hexadecimal 16 0–9, A–F 1A3F

Let's Talk in Human Language


• Binary (base-2) is the language of computers.
• Decimal (base-10) is what we humans use every day.
• Hexadecimal (base-16) is used by programmers a lot because it's shorter and
cleaner than binary.
• Octal (base-8) is used sometimes in UNIX file permissions.

Conversions Students Must Know


1. Decimal to Binary

Steps:

1. Divide the number by 2.


2. Write down the remainder.
3. Repeat the division until the result is 0.
4. Write remainders in reverse order.

Example:
Convert 13 to binary
13 ÷ 2 = 6 remainder 1
6 ÷ 2 = 3 remainder 0
3 ÷ 2 = 1 remainder 1
1 ÷ 2 = 0 remainder 1
➡ Binary: 1101

2. Binary to Decimal
Steps: Multiply each bit by 2ⁿ (where n is the position from right to left, starting at 0)
and add them.

Example:
Binary: 1011
= (1×2³) + (0×2²) + (1×2¹) + (1×2⁰)
= 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11

3. Decimal to Hexadecimal

Steps:

1. Divide the number by 16


2. Record the remainder (convert 10–15 to A–F)
3. Repeat until you get 0
4. Write remainders in reverse

Example:
Convert 45 to hexadecimal
45 ÷ 16 = 2 remainder 13 → D
2 ÷ 16 = 0 remainder 2
➡ Hex: 2D

4. Hexadecimal to Decimal

Example:
2D = (2×16¹) + (13×16⁰)
= 32 + 13 = 45

Tips for Students


• Binary only has 0s and 1s — nothing more.
• Every 4 binary digits = 1 hexadecimal digit.
• Computers store characters using ASCII codes (e.g., A = 65 in decimal =
01000001 in binary).

Practice Conversion Exercises (with answers)


Convert the following:

Decimal to Binary

1. 5→
2. 20 →
3. 255 →
4. 8→

Binary to Decimal
5. 101 →
6. 1111 →
7. 100100 →
8. 11001010 →

Decimal to Hexadecimal

9. 26 →
10. 100 →
11. 200 →
12. 4095 →

Hexadecimal to Decimal

13. 1F →
14. A→
15. FF →
16. 10B →

Answers

1. 101
2. 10100
3. 11111111
4. 1000
5. 5
6. 15
7. 36
8. 202
9. 1A
10. 64
11. C8
12. FFF
13. 31
14. 10
15. 255
16. 267

Pro Tips for Class Activities


• Use bottle caps labeled 0 and 1 to simulate binary in class.
• Let students convert their names to ASCII values in binary.
• Use calculators for quick decimal-to-hex and vice versa until they master it
manually.

You might also like