Computer Systems Quiz

Which number system do computers utilise?

• Decimal

• Octal

• Binary

• Hexadecimal

Answer explanation

Computers use the binary number system, which consists of only two digits: 0 and 1. This system is fundamental for digital electronics and data processing, making it the correct choice over decimal, octal, and hexadecimal.

What is the binary equivalent of the decimal number 9?

• 00001000

• 00001001

• 00001010

• 00001100

Answer explanation

The decimal number 9 converts to binary as follows: 9 divided by 2 gives a quotient of 4 and a remainder of 1. Continuing this process, we get 1001 in binary. Thus, the correct answer is 1001.

What does each digit in a binary number represent?

• Byte

• Bit

• Nibble

• Word

Answer explanation

In a binary number, each digit is called a 'bit'. A bit can be either 0 or 1, representing the smallest unit of data in computing. Other terms like byte, nibble, and word refer to larger groups of bits.

What is the decimal value of the binary number 10001011?

• 139

• 138

• 140

• 137

Answer explanation

To convert the binary number 10001011 to decimal, calculate: 1*2^7 + 0*2^6 + 0*2^5 + 0*2^4 + 1*2^3 + 0*2^2 + 1*2^1 + 1*2^0 = 128 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 139. Thus, the correct answer is 139.

What is the binary representation of the decimal number 173?

• 10101101

• 11010101

• 10111001

• 10011011

Answer explanation

To convert 173 to binary, divide by 2 and record remainders: 173/2=86 R1, 86/2=43 R0, 43/2=21 R1, 21/2=10 R1, 10/2=5 R0, 5/2=2 R1, 2/2=1 R0, 1/2=0 R1. Reading remainders from bottom to top gives 10101101.

What is floating point representation used for?

• Whole numbers

• Characters

• Real numbers

• Images

Answer explanation

Floating point representation is used to store real numbers, which include fractions and decimals. Unlike whole numbers, it allows for a wide range of values and precision, making it essential for scientific calculations and graphics.

In floating point representation, what is the mantissa?

• The exponent value

• The whole number part

• The fractional part

• The base

Answer explanation

In floating point representation, the mantissa refers to the fractional part of the number. It represents the significant digits of the value, while the exponent indicates the scale. Thus, the correct answer is 'The fractional part'.

What does ASCII stand for?

• American Standard Code for Information Interchange

• Advanced System Code for Internet Interface

• Automated Symbolic Character Input Interface

• American System for Character Input

Answer explanation

ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It is a character encoding standard used for representing text in computers and other devices that use text.

How many bits are used in standard ASCII?

• 4

• 6

• 7

• 8

Answer explanation

Standard ASCII uses 7 bits to represent characters, allowing for 128 unique symbols. This includes control characters and printable characters, making 7 the correct answer.

What is one advantage of using extended ASCII?

• Uses less memory

• Can represent more characters

• Faster processing

• Easier to read

Answer explanation

One advantage of using extended ASCII is that it can represent more characters than standard ASCII. This allows for the inclusion of additional symbols, letters, and characters from various languages, enhancing text representation.