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Year 10 - Computing

Binary shifts

Representation of numbers

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will be reminded of how the base-10 number system works before being introduced to the base-2 number system. They will perform conversions between binary and decimal and recognise the rules of binary addition and subtraction. They will be introduced to hexadecimal and its uses.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to perform binary shifts to multiply and divide binary numbers, but recognise the errors this may introduce.

Key Notes

  • Binary shifting is shifting the bits to the left or to the right.
  • If you shift to the left, you multiply the number by a power of 2.
  • If you shift to the right, you divide the number by a power of 2.
  • Overflow is when a number is too large to be stored in allocated memory.
  • Underflow is when a number is too small to be processed.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • binary shifting: when binary digits are moved left or right, multiplying or dividing them by powers of 2
  • overflow: when a number is too large to be represented in the available binary digits
  • underflow: when a number is too small to be represented in the available binary digits

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • When performing binary multiplication any result can be stored, regardless of how many binary digits are needed.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.

Binary shifting is shifting the bits to the left or to the right. If you shift to the left, you multiply the number by a power of 2.

2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'binary shifting'

when binary digits are moved left or right, multiplying or dividing them by powers of 2. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: When performing binary multiplication any result can be stored, regardless of how many binary digits are needed. Correction: The size of a binary number that can be stored is allocated in memory. Sometimes the result of a binary shift may result in a larger binary number that can be stored in the number of bits available.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Computing guide library.