IGCSE CS - Unit 1

Why do computers use binary to represent data?

• Because it is easier for humans to understand
• Because it is the only system that can represent all forms of data
• Because it is the most efficient system for processing
• Because it is the oldest number system

Answer explanation

Jupiter is a gas giant made primarily of hydrogen and helium. Unlike terrestrial planets that have solid surfaces, gas giants like Jupiter don't have a well-defined solid surface, allowing them to accumulate more mass in a gaseous form. This composition has allowed Jupiter to grow significantly larger than planets with solid surfaces.

What is the base of the denary number system?

• 2
• 8
• 10
• 16

What is the base of the binary number system?

• 2
• 8
• 10
• 16

What is the base of the hexadecimal number system?

• 2
• 8
• 10
• 16

Which number system is easier for humans to understand than binary?

• Denary
• Hexadecimal
• Octal
• All of the above

What happens if a value greater than 255 is stored in an 8-bit register?

• It is automatically converted to hexadecimal
• An overflow error occurs
• The value is truncated
• The system crashes

Which of the following is a benefit of using hexadecimal?

• It is easier for humans to understand than binary
• It is more efficient for processing than binary
• It can represent larger numbers than binary
• It is the only system used in computer science

What is the primary reason for converting data to binary in computers?

• To make it easier for humans to read
• To allow processing by logic gates
• To reduce storage space
• To increase processing speed

What is the main purpose of using hexadecimal in computer science?

• To increase processing speed
• To reduce storage requirements
• To provide a shorter representation of binary
• To simplify arithmetic operations

Which of the following is true about binary addition?

• It cannot result in an overflow error
• It always results in an overflow error
• An overflow error occurs if the value exceeds the register's capacity
• Overflow errors are only possible in 16-bit systems