Binary numbers are made up of only two digits, 0 and 1, and form the basis of computer processing. Computers use the binary number system because their internal workings are based on two states: on or off. The binary number system has a base of 2, with place values increasing by multiples of 2, unlike the standard base 10 system which increases by multiples of 10. Converting between binary and standard numbering systems allows communication between humans and computers. Students practiced converting numbers between the two systems and learned binary is essential for computer functions.