Introduction to Binary Code: Ones and Zeros

Learning Objectives Define binary code and explain that it uses only two symbols: 0 and 1. Identify that a 'bit' is a single binary digit and a 'byte' is a group of 8 bits. Explain that computers use binary to represent all types of information, like letters, numbers, and colors. Convert decimal numbers from 0 to 15 into 4-bit binary numbers. Convert 4-bit binary numbers into their decimal equivalents. How can a computer understand your favorite video game, a silly cat video, and your homework using only two numbers? 🤔 Let's find out! In this lesson, you'll learn the secret language of computers, called binary code. We will discover how simple 'on' and 'off' signals, represented by ones and zeros, can be used to store and pro...

TermDefinitionExample Binary CodeA way of representing information using only two symbols: 0 (zero) and 1 (one). Think of it as a secret code for computers.The number 5 is written as 0101 in binary code. BitThe smallest piece of data in a computer. A bit is a single binary digit, either a 0 or a 1.In the binary number 1011, the first '1' is one bit. ByteA group of 8 bits put together. A byte can represent more complex information, like a single letter or a number.The letter 'A' can be represented by the byte 01000001. Decimal SystemThe number system we use every day. It has ten digits (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).The number 253 uses the digits 2, 5, and 3 from the decimal system. EncodingThe process of converting information from one form to another. In this case, co...

Binary Place Value Each position in a binary number has a value that doubles as you move from right to left. The values are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and so on. Use this rule to understand the value of each '1' in a binary number. When converting from binary to decimal, you add up the place values for each '1'. Converting Decimal to Binary To turn a regular number into binary, find the largest place value that is less than or equal to your number. Put a '1' in that spot, subtract its value from your number, and repeat with the remaining amount until you get to zero. This is a step-by-step method for encoding our numbers into the computer's language. Any place values you don't use get a '0'.