1.2.16

Converting Number Bases

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Converting Binary and Hexadecimal

Both binary and hexadecimal can be used to represent the same number, so it's important to be able to convert between them.

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Binary to hexadecimal

  • Binary can be converted to hexadecimal by grouping into groups of 4 bits:
    • Start grouping from the right-hand side.
    • Convert each 4 bit group separately.
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Hexadecimal to binary

  • Hexadecimal can be converted to binary by splitting each digit into 4 bits:
    • Separately convert each hexadecimal digit into 4 bits of binary.
    • Put all of the 4 bit groups together.

Converting Denary and Hexadecimal

Both denary and hexadecimal can be used to represent the same number, so it's important to be able to convert between them.

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Denary to hexadecimal

  • The easiest method to convert denary numbers to hexadecimal is to first convert the denary to binary, and then use the binary to hexadecimal conversion algorithm.
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Hexadecimal to denary

  • To convert from hexadecimal to denary, you should:
    • Write out the powers of 16 above each hexadecimal digit.
    • For each place column, multiply the hexadecimal digit by the power of 16 above it.
    • Add together all of these results.

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