Data Representation Quiz

What are the smallest units of data in a computer?

• A) Bytes

• B) Bits (binary digits)

• C) Kilobytes

• D) Megabytes

Answer explanation

The smallest units of data in a computer are bits (binary digits), which represent the most basic form of data in computing. Bytes, kilobytes, and megabytes are larger units derived from bits.

How many bits are in a byte?

• 4 bits

• 8 bits

• 16 bits

• 32 bits

Answer explanation

A byte consists of 8 bits. This is a standard measurement in computing, where bits are the smallest unit of data, and 8 bits together form a byte, which can represent 256 different values.

What number system do computers use to store data?

• A) Decimal (base 10)

• B) Binary (base 2)

• C) Hexadecimal (base 16)

• D) Octal (base 8)

Answer explanation

Computers use the binary number system (base 2) to store data, as it represents information using only two states: 0 and 1. This is fundamental to digital electronics and computing.

Why do computers use binary?

• A) Computers use binary because they use electronic circuits that can only be ON or OFF (1s and 0s).

• B) Binary is easier to understand.

• C) Binary uses fewer digits.

• D) Binary is faster to process.

Answer explanation

Computers use binary because their electronic circuits operate in two states: ON and OFF, represented by 1s and 0s. This makes binary the most efficient way for computers to process and store data.

What is the largest number that can be stored in an 8-bit binary number?

• A) 127

• B) 255

• C) 511

• D) 1023

Answer explanation

An 8-bit binary number can represent values from 0 to 255. The maximum value is calculated as 2^8 - 1, which equals 255. Therefore, the largest number that can be stored in an 8-bit binary number is B) 255.

What number system does binary use?

• A) Base 10

• B) Base 2

• C) Base 8

• D) Base 16

Answer explanation

Binary uses Base 2, which means it consists of only two digits: 0 and 1. This is different from Base 10 (decimal), Base 8 (octal), and Base 16 (hexadecimal), which use more digits.

How many possible values can a single binary digit represent?

• One

• Two (0 and 1)

• Four

• Eight

Answer explanation

A single binary digit, or bit, can represent two possible values: 0 and 1. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Two (0 and 1)', as it reflects the fundamental nature of binary representation.

What happens when you add 1 to the binary number 1111?

Answer explanation

Adding 1 to the binary number 1111 (which is 15 in decimal) results in 10000 in binary (which is 16 in decimal). This is because binary addition carries over just like decimal addition.

Why do we use place value in binary?

• To make calculations easier

• To determine the value of each digit, just like in decimal

• To reduce the number of digits

• To increase processing speed

Answer explanation

We use place value in binary to determine the value of each digit, similar to how it's done in the decimal system. Each position represents a power of 2, allowing us to interpret the binary number correctly.

What is an overflow error in binary?

• A) When a number is too small to fit in the allocated bits

• B) When a number is too large to fit in the allocated bits, causing loss of data

• C) When a number is negative

• D) When a number is positive

Answer explanation

An overflow error occurs when a number exceeds the maximum value that can be represented with the allocated bits. This leads to data loss, making option B the correct choice.