How to Read Binary Code

The basis of all computer communication is binary numbers.

The miracle of transistors enabled machines to start reading data using the binary format of "on" and "off" or "1" and "0." Combining a sequence of zeros and ones enables machines read and write numbers of any value. All computers are designed to read sequences of zeros and ones from right to left, doubling the value of each binary "slot" from right to left and adding only the value of a binary "slot" that contains a "1" into the total value of a number or sequence of zeros and ones. Follow a short exercise to learn how to read binary numbers like a computer.

Instructions

1. Write down the binary number "11111." Write the number "16" underneath the left-most "1" in the number "11111." Write the number "8" underneath the second "1" from the left in the number "11111." Write the number "4" underneath the third "1" from the left in the number "11111." Write the number "2" under the fourth "1" from the left in the number "11111." Write the number "1" under the fifth "1" from the left in the number "11111."

2. Note the sequence of numbers underneath the number "11111" doubles in value with each successive number when reading from right to left. The value of each position in a binary number doubles with each move to the left and binary numbers are read from right to left.

3. Write down the number "000101." Write the number "1" under the first "1" on the right in the number "000101." Write the number "4" under the third "1" from the right in the number "000101." Place a "0" underneath each "0" in the binary number "000101." Add the numbers that you placed underneath the "000101" binary number and note that sum total of "5" is the value of the "000101" binary number. If a binary number slot contains a "0" then the value for that slot is "0."

4. Write down the binary number "10001." Count from the right-most digit in the number "10001" and double the value of each binary "slot" so that the count is 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 from right to left. Add only the values assigned to the binary slots that have a "1." Note that "17" is the value of the binary number "10001." Read the value of any binary number using the counting exercise in this step.

References

• Doc Droppers: Learning Binary
• The Problem Site: Binary Computer Code Informational Page