4.1.4
Binary Arithmetic
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Binary Addition
We can add two binary numbers in exactly the same way as denary numbers.

Adding two digits
- If we add 0 + 0 we get 0.
- If we add 1 + 0 (or 0 + 1) we get 1.
- If we add 1 + 1, then we cannot use the symbol 2. So we need to carry the 1 and put 0 in the current place.

Adding in a third bit
- It might be the case that we have 1 + 1 and also a 1 carried over from the previous column.
- If this is the case, then we carry the 1 and have 1 left over.
- So we carry 1 and put 1 in the current place.

Overflow errors
- Binary numbers are stored as a fixed length.
- If a number is carried past the last place column, then this is called an overflow error.
- Overflow errors can lead to inaccurate results and software crashes.
1Computational Thinking & Algorithms
1.1Computational Thinking
1.2Algorithms
1.2.1Algorithms1.2.2Pseudocode1.2.3Flow Diagrams1.2.4Logical Reasoning & Debugging1.2.5Reading Algorithms1.2.6Correcting Algorithms1.2.7Complete the Algorithm1.2.8Search Algorithms1.2.9Linear Search1.2.10Binary Search1.2.11Sort Algorithms1.2.12Bubble Sort1.2.13Insertion Sort1.2.14End of Topic Test - Algorithms
2Programming
2.1Programming Fundamentals
2.1.1Variables & Constants2.1.2Comments2.1.3Input & Output2.1.4Arithmetic Operators2.1.5Relational Operators2.1.6Boolean Operators2.1.7Sequence2.1.8Selection2.1.9Iteration2.1.10Subroutines2.1.11Scope2.1.12Data Types2.1.13Casting2.1.14Arrays2.1.152D Arrays2.1.16Lists2.1.172D Lists2.1.18Strings2.1.19Syntax Errors2.1.20Logic Errors2.1.21Runtime Errors2.1.22End of Topic Test - Programming
2.2Designing Code
3Hardware & Software
3.1Hardware
3.2Software
4Data
5The Internet
6Online Safety & Security
6.1Protecting Yourself Online
Jump to other topics
1Computational Thinking & Algorithms
1.1Computational Thinking
1.2Algorithms
1.2.1Algorithms1.2.2Pseudocode1.2.3Flow Diagrams1.2.4Logical Reasoning & Debugging1.2.5Reading Algorithms1.2.6Correcting Algorithms1.2.7Complete the Algorithm1.2.8Search Algorithms1.2.9Linear Search1.2.10Binary Search1.2.11Sort Algorithms1.2.12Bubble Sort1.2.13Insertion Sort1.2.14End of Topic Test - Algorithms
2Programming
2.1Programming Fundamentals
2.1.1Variables & Constants2.1.2Comments2.1.3Input & Output2.1.4Arithmetic Operators2.1.5Relational Operators2.1.6Boolean Operators2.1.7Sequence2.1.8Selection2.1.9Iteration2.1.10Subroutines2.1.11Scope2.1.12Data Types2.1.13Casting2.1.14Arrays2.1.152D Arrays2.1.16Lists2.1.172D Lists2.1.18Strings2.1.19Syntax Errors2.1.20Logic Errors2.1.21Runtime Errors2.1.22End of Topic Test - Programming
2.2Designing Code
3Hardware & Software
3.1Hardware
3.2Software
4Data
5The Internet
6Online Safety & Security
6.1Protecting Yourself Online
Practice questions on Binary Arithmetic
Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.
- 1What is overflow?Multiple choice
- 2Overflow errors can lead to:Fill in the list
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