Computers are amazing machines that work using a special system called binary. This article will help you understand the basics of how computers work by exploring the binary number system, why it’s important, and how to change numbers between binary and decimal.
Binary is a number system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1. While this might seem simple compared to the decimal system, which uses ten digits (0-9), binary is perfect for computers. Each digit in binary shows a switch’s state—0 means “off,” and 1 means “on.” This on/off system is key for electronic devices, helping them do complex math and store lots of information.
We usually use the decimal system because we have ten fingers, making it easy to count in tens. The word “decimal” comes from the Latin word “decem,” meaning ten. When we count, we use digits to show values in different places (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.). For example, the number 10 in decimal is shown as 1 in the tens place and 0 in the ones place.
Binary works in a similar way but only uses two digits. As we count in binary, we move to the next place value when we go past the biggest value of the current place, just like moving from 9 to 10 in decimal.
Let’s see how counting in binary works by starting from zero and going up to ten:
This way of counting shows how binary digits, or “bits,” come together to make bigger numbers.
In computers, binary digits (bits) are the smallest piece of data. A group of eight bits makes a byte, which is a common way to measure data storage. For example, a byte can show 256 different values (from 00000000 to 11111111 in binary).
To change a binary number to decimal, you add up the values of the powers of two shown by each bit. For example, let’s look at the binary number 101:
Adding these together gives you 1 + 0 + 4 = 5 in decimal.
To change from decimal to binary, find the biggest power of two that fits into the decimal number and subtract it. For example, to change the decimal number 42 to binary:
This gives us the binary representation: 101010.
Understanding binary is important for knowing how computers work. By using a simple system of ones and zeroes, computers can do complex calculations, store data, and run programs. As technology keeps growing, knowing about binary will be important for anyone interested in computers. Whether you want to be a programmer or just want to know how technology works, learning binary is a great start!
Binary Counting with Fingers: Use your fingers to represent binary numbers. Each finger can be a switch that is either “on” (up) or “off” (down). Try counting from 0 to 10 using your fingers as binary digits. For example, one finger up is 1, two fingers up is 10 in binary (which is 2 in decimal). How high can you count using both hands?
Binary Bead Bracelets: Create a bracelet using two different colored beads to represent 0 and 1. Choose a number between 1 and 10, convert it to binary, and then string the beads in the order of the binary digits. Wear your bracelet and explain to a friend what number it represents in binary and decimal.
Binary Treasure Hunt: Go on a treasure hunt around your home or classroom to find items that can be turned “on” or “off,” like light switches or buttons. For each item, decide if it’s in the “on” (1) or “off” (0) state. Write down the binary number you create with these items and convert it to a decimal number. What number did you find?
