Why Is Binary Math Different from Decimal Math?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MartinJH
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
Binary math differs from decimal math primarily due to its base-2 system, where each digit represents a power of 2 rather than 10. The discussion highlights confusion around calculating binary values, specifically how (1 * 2^3) equals 8, and how the binary number 1011 translates to 11 in decimal. Participants clarify that each binary digit corresponds to a power of 2, explaining the calculations step-by-step. The conversation reflects a common struggle with understanding exponential notation and binary representation. Ultimately, the participants find clarity in the principles of binary math.
MartinJH
Messages
72
Reaction score
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
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)"
 
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.
 
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:
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?
 
Dagnabit! Beaten by Dave again :biggrin:
 
OK, thank you guys I understood :).
 
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.
 
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. :-p
 
  • #12
Mark44 said:
Or, there are 3 kinds of people in the world: those who understand mathematics, and those who don't. :-p

I don't :rolleyes:
 

Similar threads

Replies
24
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top