Assignment One. All answers should be e-mailed to be before class starts on Monday.
Part 1: Writing some ancient numbers.
Each number system that we discussed in class has some inherent advantages and disadvantages. Below are some numbers to consider writing in each of the different number systems we talked about (Roman numerals, ancient Egyptian number system, Babylonian, and Mayan).
a. 5
b. 61
c. 3645
d. 100
For each number, carefully consider which of those four number systems you think is best for writing out that number. Be sure to include a reason why for each of your conclusions (you may also select the same number system for one or more, but should explain why you did.
Part 2: Binary
We talked about binary a little bit in class, but I want to explore it a little more. Adding and subtracting binary numbers is actually a pretty neat exploration into bases.
For each question here, add or subtract the binary numbers. Please feel free to use the internet as a resource, but make sure you understand what is happening when you add and subtract these numbers. Make sure to line things up properly (this can be VERY important). Make sure you could do a simple addition/multiplication/subtraction at the start of class on Monday.
Here is a dry yet useful site, though there are myriad others: http://academic.evergreen.edu/projects/biophysics/technotes/misc/bin_math.htm
Here’s a place you can check your answers (except the multiplication): http://www.csgnetwork.com/binaddsubcalc.html
100 + 011 =
1011 + 0101 =
101101 – 101010 =
11010 * 00011 =
(after these four examples, if you understand it you can stop. if not, try some more problems. You can either make them up, or e-mail me and I can make some up for you).
Part Three: Other number systems.
Find one number system that was used but is no longer currently used (Wikipedia has a pretty good selection to start with, but feel free to find one from somewhere else as well). Please provide the following information:
a. When and where the system was used
b. What are the similarities and differences between the system you chose and the other four systems we looked at in question one?
c. What are the similarities and differences to the number system we currently use?
d. Translate the numbers from question one above into the number system that you chose. You may either attach it in some from (picture of what you had) or bing it to class on Monday.