Data Representation: Binary and Beyond - Worksheet Questions

The binary number system is used by computers because:

• It uses only two digits, 0 and 1, which are easy for computers to represent electronically.

• It uses ten digits, making calculations faster for computers.

• It is based on Roman numerals, which computers can process quickly.

• It allows computers to use letters and symbols for calculations.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that the binary system uses only two digits, 0 and 1, which are easily represented electronically by computers, making it efficient for processing and calculations.

The decimal system differs from binary in which of the following ways?

• Decimal uses base 10, while binary uses base 2.

• Decimal uses base 2, while binary uses base 10.

• Both decimal and binary use base 2.

• Binary uses base 10, while decimal uses base 2.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that decimal uses base 10, while binary uses base 2. This highlights the fundamental difference in how each system represents numbers, with decimal relying on ten digits (0-9) and binary on two (0 and 1).

Convert the binary number 1101 to decimal and explain the process.

• The decimal equivalent of the binary number 1101 is 13.

• The decimal equivalent of the binary number 1101 is 11.

• The decimal equivalent of the binary number 1101 is 15.

• The decimal equivalent of the binary number 1101 is 9.

Answer explanation

To convert the binary number 1101 to decimal, calculate: (1×2^3) + (1×2^2) + (0×2^1) + (1×2^0) = 8 + 4 + 0 + 1 = 13. Thus, the decimal equivalent of 1101 is 13.

A bit and a byte are defined as:

• A bit is a single binary digit, and a byte is 8 bits.

• A bit is 8 bytes, and a byte is a single binary digit.

• A bit is a group of 8 bytes, and a byte is a single bit.

• A bit is a single decimal digit, and a byte is 16 bits.

Answer explanation

A bit is the smallest unit of data in computing, representing a binary value (0 or 1). A byte consists of 8 bits, making the first answer choice correct.

A nibble is:

• 4 bits

• 8 bits

• 2 bits

• 16 bits

Answer explanation

A nibble consists of 4 bits, which is half of a byte (8 bits). This makes '4 bits' the correct answer, as it defines the basic unit of data in computing that represents 16 different values.

A kilobyte, megabyte, and gigabyte are defined as units of digital information storage. Which of the following correctly defines them?

• A kilobyte is 1024 bytes, a megabyte is 1024 kilobytes, and a gigabyte is 1024 megabytes.

• A kilobyte is 1000 bytes, a megabyte is 1000 kilobytes, and a gigabyte is 1000 megabytes.

• A kilobyte is 512 bytes, a megabyte is 512 kilobytes, and a gigabyte is 512 megabytes.

• A kilobyte is 2048 bytes, a megabyte is 2048 kilobytes, and a gigabyte is 2048 megabytes.

Answer explanation

A kilobyte is defined as 1024 bytes, a megabyte as 1024 kilobytes, and a gigabyte as 1024 megabytes. This is the correct definition in binary terms, commonly used in computing.

ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange and uses how many bits to represent each character?

• 8 bits

• 6 bits

• 7 bits

• 10 bits

Answer explanation

ASCII uses 7 bits to represent each character, allowing for 128 unique symbols, including letters, digits, and control characters. This is why the correct answer is 7 bits.

Extended ASCII was introduced to allow for more characters, and it can represent how many characters?

• 128

• 256

• 512

• 64

Answer explanation

Extended ASCII can represent 256 characters, as it uses 8 bits (2^8 = 256). This allows for additional characters beyond the original 128 in standard ASCII, making 256 the correct answer.

What is Unicode, and why was it created?

• Unicode is a universal standard that assigns a unique number to characters from almost every language. It was created to replace many different national encodings and allow computers worldwide to display text consistently.

• Unicode is a programming language used to develop web applications. It was created to simplify coding for developers.

• Unicode is a type of computer virus that affects text files. It was created to test computer security systems.

• Unicode is a font style used in graphic design. It was created to provide more artistic options for designers.

Answer explanation

Unicode is a universal standard that assigns unique numbers to characters from various languages. It was created to unify different national encodings, ensuring consistent text display across computers globally.

What are UTF-8, UTF-16 and UTF-32?

• These are encoding schemes that convert Unicode code points into bits for storage and transmission. UTF-8 uses 8-bit units but can expand to more bits for complex characters; UTF-16 uses 16-bit units; UTF-32 uses 32-bit units.

• These are types of computer viruses that affect text files.

• These are programming languages used for web development.

• These are file formats for storing images.

Answer explanation

UTF-8, UTF-16, and UTF-32 are encoding schemes that convert Unicode code points into bits for storage and transmission. The correct choice explains their bit usage: UTF-8 uses 8-bit units, UTF-16 uses 16-bit units, and UTF-32 uses 32-bit units.