Topic One (1.1): Binary and Hexadecimal

For this topic, you will learn how computer systems use binary numbers in processing and storing data, and why they are needed. You will encounter the concept of a byte and see how these zeros and ones work to create data of varying size. You will become familiar with various sizes of data storage and understand the difference between them.

You will need to be able to count in binary, and to convert positive denary (base 10) numbers to and from their binary equivalents. Most of this will involve 8-bit binary numbers, although longer forms will also be considered, with the use of leading zeros if needed to ‘fill up’ unused bits.

This topic will look at how hexadecimal (base 16) numbers are used to help programmers who would otherwise have to deal with millions of binary instructions. You will also learn how they are used by website developers as codes for a wide range of colours, and how a 6-digit hex number can determine the amount of red, green and blue pigment in a colour.

As with binary, you will become familiar with the process of converting hexadecimal numbers to and from denary, and also to and from binary, numbers. You will be introduced to the idea of using letters A to F to represent numbers 10 to 15 as single characters, and how they are used as part of hexadecimal numbers.

Read

Please read through and make notes on pages 10 to 16 of your coursebook and complete Skills Focus 1.1 and 1.2, and Activity 1.1.

Links

Please work through the following resources.

Here are some useful links to YouTube videos showing all the methods of conversion.

WATCH – Converting Denary to Binary (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Converting Binary to Denary (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Converting Denary to Hexadecimal (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Converting Hexadecimal to Denary (YouTube) Links to an external site.

PRACTICE – Denary to Hexadecimal (SQA) Links to an external site. and following pages.