Struggling with Math? Here's Help!

  • Thread starter MartinJH
  • Start date
But I can count to 8.In summary, the conversation discussed the concept of converting numbers from base 10 to base 2 and the difficulty in understanding how 2^3 is equal to 8. The experts explained the process of breaking down the number and multiplying it by 2 repeatedly to get the final result. They also mentioned that this is a common concept in computer science and technology.
  • #1
MartinJH
72
2
I'm a little embarrassed by this and having a total brain fart.
I understand:
(6 * 10^3) + (3 * 10^2) + (5 * 10^1) + (7 * 10^0) = 6000 + 300 + 50 + 7 = 6357

But for some reason I can't get this:
(1 * 2^3) is equal to 8.

(1 * 2^3) + (0 * 2^2) + (1 * 2^1) + (1 * 2^0) = 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
MartinJH said:
I'm a little embarrassed by this and having a total brain fart.
I understand:
(6 * 10^3) + (3 * 10^2) + (5 * 10^1) + (7 * 10^0) = 6000 + 300 + 50 + 7 = 6357

But for some reason I can't get this:
(1 * 2^3) is equal to 8.

(1 * 2^3) + (0 * 2^2) + (1 * 2^1) + (1 * 2^0) = 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11

Why do you have ones in these terms? "(1 * 2^1) + (1 * 2^0)"
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
Why do you have ones in these terms? "(1 * 2^1) + (1 * 2^0)"

I copied directly from here;
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bytes1.htm

Its a page I came across while searching for more information. I did know how to work it out but have forgotten.
 
  • #4
MartinJH said:
I copied directly from here;
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bytes1.htm

Yes, but that adds up to 11, not 8. 1011.

What you started with was 2^3 which is 1000 which is 8Hey lookit that. I can look down and see Berkeman slooooooowly tyyyyping away... :biggrin:
 
Last edited:
  • #5
MartinJH said:
I copied directly from here;
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bytes1.htm

Its a page I came across while searching for more information. I did know how to work it out but have forgotten.

The thing you copied shows how 0b1011 = 11. (binary 1011 = 11 decimal)

Below that do you see "8 = 1000" listed?
 
  • #6
Dagnabit! Beaten by Dave again :biggrin:
 
  • #7
OK, thank you guys I understood :).
 
  • #8
MartinJH said:
I'm a little embarrassed by this and having a total brain fart.
I understand:
(6 * 10^3) + (3 * 10^2) + (5 * 10^1) + (7 * 10^0) = 6000 + 300 + 50 + 7 = 6357

But for some reason I can't get this:
(1 * 2^3) is equal to 8.
So this is what you are reall9y asking about- why 1*2^3= 8?

1*2^3= 1*(2*2*2)= 1*(2*(2*2)). 2*2= 4 so that becomes 1*(2*4). 2*4= 8 so that becomes 1*8= 8.

(1 * 2^3) + (0 * 2^2) + (1 * 2^1) + (1 * 2^0) = 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11
Yes 10112 is 1*8+ 0*4+ 1*2+ 1= 11 base 10.
 
  • #9
HallsofIvy said:
So this is what you are reall9y asking about- why 1*2^3= 8?

1*2^3= 1*(2*2*2)= 1*(2*(2*2)). 2*2= 4 so that becomes 1*(2*4). 2*4= 8 so that becomes 1*8= 8.Yes 10112 is 1*8+ 0*4+ 1*2+ 1= 11 base 10.
I was having trouble working out why 2^3=8. As simple as it seems. I haven't done any sort of to the power maths in years and it skipped my mind.
But yes, you had answered my question, thank you.

But ignoring the 1 in 1 * 2^3 as it was simply telling what binary digit 2^3 was representing.
 
  • #10
There are 10 kinds of people in the world. Those who read binary and those who don't.
 
  • #11
Antiphon said:
There are 10 kinds of people in the world. Those who read binary and those who don't.
Or, there are 3 kinds of people in the world: those who understand mathematics, and those who don't. :tongue:
 
  • #12
Mark44 said:
Or, there are 3 kinds of people in the world: those who understand mathematics, and those who don't. :tongue:

I don't :rolleyes:
 

1. How can I improve my math skills?

Improving your math skills requires practice and determination. Start by identifying the areas you struggle with and focus on practicing those concepts. You can also seek help from a tutor or join a study group to get additional support. Additionally, using online resources or educational apps can also be helpful in improving your math skills.

2. What are some tips for understanding complex math concepts?

One tip for understanding complex math concepts is to break them down into smaller, more manageable parts. This will help you focus on one aspect at a time and better understand the overall concept. It's also important to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary. Don't be afraid to reach out to your teacher or peers for help.

3. How can I overcome my fear of math?

Overcoming a fear of math takes time and effort. One approach is to start with easier math problems and gradually work your way up to more difficult ones. This will help build your confidence and reduce your fear. You can also try reframing your thoughts about math and reminding yourself that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

4. What are some strategies for studying for a math exam?

Some strategies for studying for a math exam include reviewing your notes, completing practice problems, and creating flashcards for key concepts. It's also helpful to study in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Additionally, make sure to get enough rest and eat a healthy breakfast before the exam.

5. How can I stay motivated to continue learning math?

Staying motivated to learn math can be challenging, but it's important to remember the benefits of having strong math skills. Set achievable goals for yourself and track your progress. You can also try incorporating real-world applications of math into your learning to make it more interesting. Lastly, surround yourself with supportive peers and teachers who can encourage and inspire you to keep learning.

Similar threads

B Natural Numbers contain all the Primes
    • General Math
Replies
24
Views
2K
MHB Interpolating Points with Continuous Modular Functions?
    • General Math
Replies
5
Views
836
I Modulo and Modulus in math and computer programming
    • General Math
Replies
5
Views
2K
B Finding all possible sums given 2 lists, matched one to one
    • General Math
Replies
2
Views
973
I I need to write a function for DPI screen scaling with parameters
    • General Math
Replies
11
Views
639
MHB Finding the Largest Root of a Polynomial Using Synthetic Division
    • General Math
Replies
1
Views
826
MHB Betting Strategy: Win Profits 90% of the Time
    • General Math
Replies
4
Views
728
MCNP Problem - Bad character in column 2
    • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
MCNP macro definition modeling
    • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
MHB How can we show that one of these congruences hold?
    • General Math
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top