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Learn: Binary Representation
OCR GCSE J277 Computer Science specification
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Welcome!Welcome to your personalised lesson on binary representation. Today, we’ll explore how computers use binary to store and process data. Let’s dive in!
What is Binary Representation?Binary representation is a way of storing information using only two states: 0 and 1. Computers use binary because it’s reliable to represent data with electrical signals (on/off).
Why Do Computers Use Binary?Computers operate using electronic circuits, which can easily distinguish between two states like on/off or high/low voltage. These states correspond to binary digits, or bits.
Quick check: Why do computers use binary?
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Bits and BytesA bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer, representing a single 0 or 1. A byte is a group of 8 bits and is commonly used to store small amounts of data, like a single character.
Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
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Binary ConversionBinary numbers can be converted to denary (base-10) numbers and vice versa. Each binary digit represents a power of 2, starting with 20 on the right.
Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
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Binary AdditionBinary addition works similarly to denary addition but only uses 0 and 1. If the sum of two digits is 2, it carries over to the next column.
In binary addition, 1 + 1 = {{blank0}}, with a carry of {{blank1}}.
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Binary ShiftsBinary shifts move digits left or right. A left shift multiplies the number by 2, and a right shift divides it by 2. This is useful for quick calculations.
What happens when you left shift the binary number 110 by one position?
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Review Time!You’ve learned about binary representation, bits, bytes, conversions, addition, and shifts. Let’s review everything now!
Which of the following are true about binary? (Select all that apply)
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Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
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Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
Start the lesson to answer this code completion question

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