Binary Representation

How Computers Store Numbers Binary is the foundation of computing, representing data using 0s and 1s. Learn how numbers and operations work in binary form.

Binary Representation is a way of expressing numbers, text, and data using only two digits: 0 and 1. It is the foundation of digital computing, where all information is stored and processed as sequences of binary digits (bits).

How Binary Works

Each digit in a binary number represents a power of 2, starting from the rightmost position:

  • 20 = 1
  • 21 = 2
  • 22 = 4
  • 23 = 8
  • ...

Example: Convert 13 (decimal) to binary

13 = 1 × 23 + 1 × 22 + 0 × 21 + 1 × 20
Binary: 1101

Uses of Binary Representation

  • Computers & Digital Systems: All data (numbers, text, images, audio) is stored in binary.
  • Boolean Logic & Circuits: Used in processors and memory operations.
  • Networking & Data Transmission: Binary codes define protocols in digital communication.