Data and computer systems questions and answers
Q1. Explain what is meant by the denary numbering system.
A1. The numbering system that we commonly use every day of our lives is known as the denary system. This is because there are ten digits in use. These are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Q2. Where does the word ‘bit’ as used in computing come from?
A2. Binary digit
Q3. In the binary number 01011000, there are eight bits. The bit on the far left is worth 128. If there were another bit to the left of that one, what would it be worth? Explain how you got your answer.
A3. 256 (2 to the power of 8. Starting from the right hand side of the byte, the pattern goes: 2 to the power of zero, 2 to the power of 1, 2 to the power of 2 and so on).
Q4. What is meant by a subscript?
A4. It is the piece of data next to a number that shows which numbering system is being used. It is written in smaller text to the bottom right hand corner of the number e.g. 45216 shows that the number 452 is using the base 16 numbering system.
Q5. What is the binary number 1000 in denary?
A5. 8
Q6. What is the binary number 0000 in denary?
A6. 0
Q7. What is the binary number 1111 in denary?
A7. 15
Q8. What is the binary number 1111 1111 in denary?
A8. 255
Q9. How many different digits are used in the binary system?
A9. Two digits are used, one and zero.
Q10. Do some research. Apart from the binary system and the denary system there are other numbering systems in use, the most imortant of which is hex. Find out how this works. How many digits are used in hex? How do you represent 12, for example, in hex?
A10. You use the digits from 0 - 9 as well as the letters from A - F, where A = 10, B = 11, C = 12 and so on.