1.

Number Systems

The concept of number is the obvious distinction between beast and man. Thanks to number, the cry becomes song, noise acquires rhythm, the spring is transformed into a dance, force becomes dynamic, and outlines figure.

-Joseph De Maistre

Introduction

In this appendix, we briefly review the concept of positional number systems, the methods for conversion between alternative number systems, and the basic elements of binary addition and subtraction. If you are not familiar with these concepts, it is probably a good idea to read this appendix before starting out with Chapter 1.

Throughout much of our lives, we have been exposed to the base 10 number system. The preference for 10-digit number systems is no surprise: we have 10 fingers! However, this is not natural for digital hardware systems, where arithmetic is based on the binary digits 0 and 1. We will also discuss number systems that are variations on the binary system: octal (the digits 0 through 7) and hexadecimal. The latter is a base 16 system, with 0 through 9 extended by the additional digits A (10), B (11), C (12), D (13), E (14), and F (15).

Table of Contents

1. Positional Number Notation
2. Conversion Between Binary, Octal, and Hexadecimal Systems
3. Binary Arithmetic Operations
Appendix Review
Exercises

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This file last updated on 07/16/96 at 05:10:10.
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