What is the decimal number system?

The decimal number system, also known as base 10, is the most widely used numerical system, consisting of ten unique digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. This system likely originated from humans having ten fingers, making it intuitive for counting and calculations. In the decimal system, numbers greater than nine are formed by combining these digits, where each digit's position represents a power of ten. For instance, in the number 4273, the digit 4 is in the thousands place, 2 in the hundreds, 7 in the tens, and 3 in the ones, leading to a total value of 4,273. This structured approach to representing numbers allows for straightforward arithmetic operations and is foundational in mathematics and everyday calculations.

How does binary number system work?

The binary number system, or base 2, is a numerical system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1. This system is fundamental in computer science and digital electronics because it aligns with the on-off states of electronic circuits. In binary, each digit's position represents a power of two, starting from the rightmost digit, which is the ones place (2^0), followed by twos (2^1), fours (2^2), and so on. For example, the binary number 1011 translates to the decimal number 11, calculated as 1 (8) + 0 (4) + 1 (2) + 1 (1). The binary system can represent numbers using up to 16 bits, allowing for a range from 0 to 65,535, making it efficient for computing and data representation.

What is hexadecimal number system?

The hexadecimal number system, or base 16, is a numerical system that includes 16 unique symbols: the digits 0-9 and the letters A-F, where A represents 10, B represents 11, C represents 12, D represents 13, E represents 14, and F represents 15. This system is particularly useful in computing because it provides a more compact representation of binary numbers, making it easier for humans to read and interpret. Each position in a hexadecimal number represents a power of 16, similar to how decimal and binary systems work. For instance, the hexadecimal number A3 corresponds to the decimal value of 163, calculated as 10 (A) times 16 plus 3. Hexadecimal is widely used in programming and digital electronics, especially for color codes and memory addresses.

What is the significance of number zero?

The number zero holds significant importance across various numerical systems, including decimal, binary, and hexadecimal. It serves as a placeholder that allows for the representation of larger numbers and is essential for performing arithmetic operations. In all three systems, zero is represented by a single digit, which simplifies calculations and maintains the integrity of numerical values. For example, in the decimal system, the number 10 is represented as 1 followed by a zero, indicating one ten and zero ones. In binary, zero is represented as 0, while in hexadecimal, it is also represented as 0. The concept of zero is crucial in mathematics, as it enables the distinction between positive and negative values and plays a vital role in algebra and calculus.

How are numbers represented in different systems?

Numbers are represented differently across various numerical systems, each with its unique structure and base. In the decimal system (base 10), numbers are formed using ten digits (0-9), where each digit's position signifies a power of ten. For example, the number 345 is calculated as 3 (hundreds) + 4 (tens) + 5 (ones). In contrast, the binary system (base 2) uses only two digits (0 and 1), with each position representing a power of two, making it suitable for digital applications. For instance, the binary number 1101 equals 13 in decimal. The hexadecimal system (base 16) combines ten digits and six letters (A-F) to represent values more compactly, allowing for easier interpretation of binary data. Each system's representation reflects its intended use, with decimal for everyday counting, binary for computing, and hexadecimal for efficient data representation.

2. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478-0984) 1.1 Number systems

Craig'n'Dave・2 minutes read

The decimal system uses ten digits (0-9) and represents numbers through place value that increases by powers of ten, while the binary system uses two digits (0 and 1) with place values that double, and the hexadecimal system employs sixteen digits (0-9 and A-F) for a more compact representation. Each system demonstrates unique advantages in number representation, with binary requiring more digits for larger values compared to decimal and hexadecimal.

Insights

The decimal system, which uses ten digits (0-9), is based on our ten fingers and represents numbers by combining these digits, with each column's value increasing by a factor of 10, as seen in the example of 4273 being calculated as 4,000 + 200 + 70 + 3.
In contrast, the binary system operates on only two digits (0 and 1) and uses a doubling column weighting system, where each bit represents a power of 2; for example, the binary number 1011 translates to 11 in decimal by adding 8 (1) + 0 (4) + 2 (1) + 1 (1), showcasing the compactness of the hexadecimal system, which can represent the same decimal number 10 as A.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

What is the decimal number system?
The decimal number system, also known as base 10, is the most widely used numerical system, consisting of ten unique digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. This system likely originated from humans having ten fingers, making it intuitive for counting and calculations. In the decimal system, numbers greater than nine are formed by combining these digits, where each digit's position represents a power of ten. For instance, in the number 4273, the digit 4 is in the thousands place, 2 in the hundreds, 7 in the tens, and 3 in the ones, leading to a total value of 4,273. This structured approach to representing numbers allows for straightforward arithmetic operations and is foundational in mathematics and everyday calculations.
How does binary number system work?
The binary number system, or base 2, is a numerical system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1. This system is fundamental in computer science and digital electronics because it aligns with the on-off states of electronic circuits. In binary, each digit's position represents a power of two, starting from the rightmost digit, which is the ones place (2^0), followed by twos (2^1), fours (2^2), and so on. For example, the binary number 1011 translates to the decimal number 11, calculated as 1 (8) + 0 (4) + 1 (2) + 1 (1). The binary system can represent numbers using up to 16 bits, allowing for a range from 0 to 65,535, making it efficient for computing and data representation.
What is hexadecimal number system?
The hexadecimal number system, or base 16, is a numerical system that includes 16 unique symbols: the digits 0-9 and the letters A-F, where A represents 10, B represents 11, C represents 12, D represents 13, E represents 14, and F represents 15. This system is particularly useful in computing because it provides a more compact representation of binary numbers, making it easier for humans to read and interpret. Each position in a hexadecimal number represents a power of 16, similar to how decimal and binary systems work. For instance, the hexadecimal number A3 corresponds to the decimal value of 163, calculated as 10 (A) times 16 plus 3. Hexadecimal is widely used in programming and digital electronics, especially for color codes and memory addresses.
What is the significance of number zero?
The number zero holds significant importance across various numerical systems, including decimal, binary, and hexadecimal. It serves as a placeholder that allows for the representation of larger numbers and is essential for performing arithmetic operations. In all three systems, zero is represented by a single digit, which simplifies calculations and maintains the integrity of numerical values. For example, in the decimal system, the number 10 is represented as 1 followed by a zero, indicating one ten and zero ones. In binary, zero is represented as 0, while in hexadecimal, it is also represented as 0. The concept of zero is crucial in mathematics, as it enables the distinction between positive and negative values and plays a vital role in algebra and calculus.
How are numbers represented in different systems?
Numbers are represented differently across various numerical systems, each with its unique structure and base. In the decimal system (base 10), numbers are formed using ten digits (0-9), where each digit's position signifies a power of ten. For example, the number 345 is calculated as 3 (hundreds) + 4 (tens) + 5 (ones). In contrast, the binary system (base 2) uses only two digits (0 and 1), with each position representing a power of two, making it suitable for digital applications. For instance, the binary number 1101 equals 13 in decimal. The hexadecimal system (base 16) combines ten digits and six letters (A-F) to represent values more compactly, allowing for easier interpretation of binary data. Each system's representation reflects its intended use, with decimal for everyday counting, binary for computing, and hexadecimal for efficient data representation.

Summary

00:00

Understanding Number Systems: Decimal Binary Hexadecimal

The decimal (base 10) number system consists of 10 unique digits (0-9) and is the most familiar system, likely developed due to humans having ten fingers. In this system, numbers higher than 9 are represented by combining digits, such as 10 being represented as 1 and 0.
In the decimal system, the column weightings increase by a factor of 10, meaning that for the number 4273, it is calculated as 4 (thousands) + 2 (hundreds) + 7 (tens) + 3 (ones), resulting in a total of 4,273.
The binary (base 2) number system uses only two digits: 0 and 1. The column weightings double with each position, starting from the right with 1 (ones), 2 (twos), 4 (fours), and 8 (eights). For example, the binary number 1011 equals 11 in decimal, calculated as 1 (8) + 0 (4) + 1 (2) + 1 (1).
In binary, numbers can be represented using up to 16 bits, allowing for a range from 0 (all zeros) to 65,535 (all ones). Each bit position represents a power of 2, with the most significant bit representing 32,768.
The hexadecimal (base 16) number system includes 16 unique digits: 0-9 and A-F, where A represents 10, B represents 11, and so on up to F, which represents 15. This system allows for more compact representation of numbers compared to binary.
All three systems can represent the number zero with a single digit, but as numbers increase, binary requires combinations of digits due to its limited unique digits. For example, the decimal value 10 is represented as 1010 in binary and A in hexadecimal, illustrating the differences in representation across the systems.

2. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478-0984) 1.1 Number systems

Insights

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

Related videos

9th Class Computer Science Chapter 2 | Introduction to Real Numbers | Class 9 Computer Chapter 2

Representing Numbers and Letters with Binary: Crash Course Computer Science #4

Binary, Decimal,Octal, Hexadecimal Conversion in Hindi Computer Architecture lec-1

IGCSE Computer Science - C1 - Data Representation [2023-2025]

Number System | 9th computer new book chapter 2

Summary

Understanding Number Systems: Decimal Binary Hexadecimal

Try it yourself — It’s free.