Page 9 - TechPluse_C7_Flipbook
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1 Number System
Your Aim
to learn about:
Number System Number System Conversion
Binary Addition
Although the words data and information are often used interchangeably, but there is an
important distinction between the two words. In the strict sense, data consists of the raw numbers
that computers organise to produce information.
From early age, you are introduced to the concept of numbers and counting. Toddlers learn at
an early age that they can carry two cookies, one in each hand. Kindergarteners start counting
by twos and fives. Invariably, you use the decimal number system. Your number system is based
on 10, most likely because you have 10 fingers. Let us learn more about the number system.
Clickipedia
The numerical digits, you use today, i.e, 1, 2 and 3 are based on the Hindu-Arabic
numeral system developed over 1000 years ago.
Different names for the number 0 include zero, nought, naught, nil, zilch and zip.
NUMBER SYSTEM
A number system is simply a method of counting. Many different number systems exist.
Consider a clock. Clocks have 24 hours, each hour composed of 60 minutes. Each minute is
in turn composed of 60 seconds. When you learnt to count, you used the numbers, like 1, 2,
3, etc. Similarly, computers also have their own number system, known as the binary number
system.
The digital computer represents all kinds of data and information like audio, graphics, video,
text and numbers in binary form. The total number of digits used in a number system is called
its base or radix. Therefore, when someone says that they are working with number system of
radix 2, it means base 2, that is, binary number system. The base is written after the number as
subscript such as (512) . In this example, the number 10 is written as the subscript to express
10
the number in decimal number system.
Number System 7

