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                                                        NUMBER SYSTEM





           Prime (Ver. 2.2)-VII                                                 Learning Objectives






                                                                                •  What is a Number System?
                                                                                •  Number System Conversion
                                                                                •  Operations on Binary Numbers




           6                      How are data stored inside the computer?


                                  Hi Pihu, computer stores all data such as files, sounds, images, videos, etc., as

                                 numbers in binary form.

                  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, we 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, we use the decimal number system. Our number
                  system is based on 10, most likely because we have 10 fingers. Let us learn more about the
                  number system.



                          Fun          •   The numerical digits, we use today, i.e., 1, 2, and 3 are based on the
                          Fact!           Hindu-Arabic numeral system developed over 1000 years ago.
                                       •   Different names for the number 0 include zero, nought, naught, nil,
                                          zilch, and zip.



                     What is a Number System?


                  A number system is simply a method of counting. There are many number systems in existence.
                  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.
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