Convert Decimal To Binary: A Short Guide

Decimal and binary are two numeral systems used by mankind for different purposes. The decimal system works with all numbers from 0 to 9, while the binary system works with just 0 and 1. In today's world, people use computers extensively, so they need to know more on the binary numeral system, which is the base of the way computer think. This article is intended as a short guide to teach you how to convert decimal numbers in their binary counterparts.

There are basically two ways to transform a decimal number into a binary number: comparison with descending powers of two and subtraction and short division by two with remainder.

First method:

1. Use a base 2 table from right to left, with 20 being 1. Ten elements containing these numbers will include 512, 256, 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1.

2. When considering a decimal number for conversion, you must find the greatest power of 2 that can be included in it. Write 1 for the binary digit first on the left and then subtract that number from the decimal one. You will have a subtraction.

3. Moving to the next power of two, you can complete your number with 0 (if your rest cannot contain the next power of two) or 1 (if it can contain it).

4. You will continue making the same comparison and subtractions until you have nothing left. Then you will be able to write down your decimal number as a binary number, listing all 1 and 0 symbols you have identified, comparing your number with the powers of two. Practice with a few numbers until you get a hang of this method.

The second method

Another method to identify the binary counterpart of a decimal number is through division by two. Here are the steps that you will have to follow:

1. You will have to divide your number by two. But first, to succeed into visualizing your work, write down 2 followed by a parenthesis and then the number you want to convert.

2. The quotient then must be written under the long division symbol, and, next to it the remainder from the operation. (If the number divides to two perfectly, the remainder will be 0, if it does not, it will be 1).

3. You will continue to repeat the operation, always writing down the remainders.

4. In the end, you will have a column of 1 and 0 which you will have to read from the bottom to the top. This will be your binary counterpart for the decimal number you wanted to convert.

These methods are easy to master, but it will just take a little time and practice to get adjusted to them. You will soon be able to make decimal to binary conversions without too much hassle.

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Convert Decimal To Binary: A Short Guide