2. The Base-10 System
As humans we work with decimal digits on a
daily basis. We use numbers in the Base-10
number system. We are comfortable using
this system since we have 10 fingers to
count on.
3. Ten Frames
To assist us with our number system we
could use the ten frame shown below. We
would count by 10 (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,
80) and then add 1 = 81.
This base-10 numbering system is also
known as the decimal system.
4. Our Decimal System
Our decimal system uses digits as place holders.
Each digit has a value depending on its place.
4,385 = 4000 + 300 + 80 + 5
The 4 is in the thousands place with a value of 4000
The 3 is in the hundreds place with a value of 300
The eight is in the tens place with a value of 80
The five is in the ones place with a value of 5
4385
5. Base-2 System
Our decimal system uses digits from 0 - 9.
Computers use only 2 digits 0 and 1.
Every letter, every number, every color, everything you
type on your keyboard is assigned a series of “1”s and “0”s
by your computer. Each series of bits is called a “byte.
If the switch is “ON,” it is assigned a “1.” If it is “OFF,”
it is assigned a “0.” Each “1” or “0” is called a “bit.”
A binary number would look like this 1011.
6. Where does the word “binary”
come from?
A bicycle has 2 wheels
A biplane has 2 wings
10. Converting Decimal to Binary
Look at the row that represents the decimal number
10 (diagram below). The table can be used to convert
this decimal number to a binary number. The table
shows that DECIMAL 10 is composed of one
number 8 and one number 2. Zeros are used to fill
the blank spaces which gives 1010 as the binary
equivalent of decimal 10.
