Week 1: Clear- Binary Numeral System

In this week's lesson, I learned the binary numeral system that is use for computer notation. At first, I thought it was going to be a hard concept to understand.  Having no knowledge of the binary numeral system, I can only recall seeing the infinite sets of 01001010100001 in the matrix movie. After watching the binary video for the class, I can officially title myself a binary scholar.

Almost all computers are built to use the concept of binary numeral system. While normal mathematics numeral system is based on the numbers 0-9, the binary numeral system is only based on two digits, 0 or 1. Using the numeral system of 0-9, humans were able to use them for calculation, counting, measuring and etc. The binary system can be described as the computer language, it is used to store memory in the computer by only using the two digit, 0 or 1, that can represent numbers, characters, or even alphabets.

To understand the binary system, let us first review our most basic numeral concept of 0-9. By using 0-9, we are able to count 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Once we run out  of all the numbers that we can use, we insert an additional column to continue for the higher numbers, 10, 11, 12, 21, 33, 45 and so on. Notice that the second column is worth 10 times the value compare to the first set of the digits. Once we get to the number 99, the rule will repeats itself to add another column and continue the same concept.

The binary numeral system has the same concept by using only two digits, 0 or 1. Imagine using 0 as 0 and 1 as 1, after finish using the two digits we make an additional column. The second column will be worth twice the value, for example the number 1 0 will be worth as 2. Due to the concept of (1x2=2), 1 is in the second column, which mean 1 is equal to 2, only a 0 will be needed after 1. Another example is 11 will be worth as 3, by applying the same concept, 1 in second column is 2 plus 1 in the first column is 1 will be equal to 3 (2+1=3). After using all the numbers in the second column, an additional column will be added given 4 times the value compare to the first column.

 

Table was created by Yasmin Yuen

It is Important for us to comprehend the concept of the binary numeral system in the business world because most of the computers are using this system today. Since our everyday life revolves around computers, it is crucial to learn the system that our computers are using. It is also a new way to look at numbers, we can look at this numeral system for inspiration for future creation of another powerful system. 

If you wish to learn more about the binary numeral system and prefer to watch a video for the explanation, please take a look at the YouTube video below.