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Enabling computers to 'think' using binary
Enabling computers to 'think' using binary
Because electronic devices need to work quickly, they need to be able to handle numbers efficiently. Data can be handled and stored on digital devices by making use of an electrical or magnetic 'charge'. In digital terms the charge is either 'present' or 'not-present'. Put simply, it is either switched 'on' or 'off'.
Therefore a switch can only ever have one of two states. We call this 'binary'. This page will help you to understand binary.
Representing Numbers and Letters with Binary_ Crash Course Computer Science #4.mp4How To Convert Binary To Decimal Tutorial (The Easy Way).mp4Binary converter and calculator
Binary converter and calculator
Adjacent is a video of a mechanical binary calculator. This nice visual demonstration can help you understand how binary addition 'works'.
You can see that each 'rocker' or 'switch' can only be in one of two positions: left or right. This is analogous to '0' or '1' (or 'off' and 'on').
Once you have watched it, have a go at using the binary converter to learn the process of converting from binary to decimal.
This spreadsheet tool will convert and calculate binary numbers for you, showing you the process along the way.
Note - If the calculator is not displaying correctly, try opening it in Google Sheets, full screen (click the link).
If you get frustrated because other people are using the same tool at the same time and it is constantly changing, click here to make your own copy in your Google Drive which no-one else can edit.
Counting with binary
Counting with binary
These videos will help you understand simple binary addition and subtraction, using just a pencil/pen and paper.
On the right is a handy, quick-reference table which lists the 'rules' of binary arithmetic.
How To Do Binary Addition (The Easy Way).mp4The Easy Way To Subtract Binary - Binary Subtraction Made Easy.mp4Counting with hexadecimal
Counting with hexadecimal
You can see how binary numbers can rapidly become very long and confusing. Another method of counting quickly with fewer characters is to use hexadecimal.
What the video to learn more.
How To Easily Convert Hexadecimal To Binary And To Decimal Tutorial.mp4Converting hexadecimal into decimal
Converting hexadecimal into decimal
Here is a useful table to help you quickly convert a hex number (in black) straight into decimal (in red).
This is fine for quick conversions up to 255, but what if you want to convert a number higher than 255?
For that, we need to understand how the process works. Use the hexadecimal converter and calculator to learn how to do it.
Hex Chart.pngQuick reference hexadecimal to decimal conversion table.
Conversion_Table.pdfQuick reference decimal to hexadecimal. octal and binary conversion table.
Hexadecimal converter & calculator
Hexadecimal converter & calculator
Use the HEX converter tool below to help you learn how it works. Click here to open it in a Google Sheets window. As before, if you'd like to make your own copy of the converter in your Google Drive that no-one else clan edit, click here.
To view the binary and decimal equivalent of each hex code character (from 0 to f), click the plus button in the far left-bottom of the spreadsheet.
Quick reference hexadecimal multiplication table.
Understanding 24-bit Hex Colour Codes
Understanding 24-bit Hex Colour Codes
Modern digital devices make use of hexadecimal code in order to reproduce life-like colours on their vivid LCD, plasma and LED screens.
Every colour pixel that makes a coloured dot on a screen is actually made up of three coloured lights; one each for red, green and blue.
By varying the brightness of each of the three elements we can give the impression of a single coloured dot.
What a pixel looks like close-up. Click here to learn more.
Watch the video to learn how it works.
When you've used the hex colour code converter below, enter in the HEX or RGB code into this widget to view what the actual colour looks like.
Hex to RGB Converter
Hex to RGB Converter
This tool will help you convert between hex colour codes and RGB. To view the colour enter your values into the HTML 'colour picker' widget above.
Note - Click here to open Google Sheets in full screen. If other people are using it at the same time as you and you are getting frustrated, click to make your own copy in your Google Drive which no-one else can edit.
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