Data representation (3)
Resources |
Revision Questions |
Computer Science
Login to see all questions
Click on a question to view the answer
1.
Describe a situation where using hexadecimal representation would be particularly advantageous in computer science. Explain the benefits in detail.
Hexadecimal representation is particularly advantageous when dealing with memory addresses and colour codes. Memory addresses are often represented in hexadecimal because they are large numbers and hexadecimal provides a compact and easily readable format. For example, a 32-bit memory address is a large number, but it can be represented by a single hexadecimal string (e.g., 0x12345678). This makes it easier for programmers to understand and work with memory locations.
Similarly, colour codes in graphics are often represented using hexadecimal. Colour values are typically represented as RGB (Red, Green, Blue) components, each ranging from 0 to 255. Each component is represented by a two-digit hexadecimal value. For example, a pure red colour is represented as #FF0000. This format is concise and easily understood by both humans and computers. The hexadecimal format allows for a wide range of colour values to be represented efficiently.
In addition to memory addresses and colour codes, hexadecimal is also used in data storage and network protocols where compact representation of binary data is required. This reduces the amount of storage space needed and improves data transmission efficiency.
2.
Write a program to add two positive 8-bit binary integers, A and B, and store the result in a third 8-bit binary integer, C. Show your working and the expected output for the following inputs: A = 00001010 and B = 00001101.
Working:
A = 00001010 (10 in decimal)
B = 00001101 (13 in decimal)
Addition: 00001010 + 00001101 = 00010111
C = 00010111 (23 in decimal)
Expected Output: C = 00010111
3.
Convert the following hexadecimal number to its decimal equivalent. Show your working.
Hexadecimal: 3A16
To convert 3A16 to decimal, we multiply each digit by the corresponding power of 16 and sum the results.
3A16 = (3 × 161) + (A × 160)
Since A represents 10 in decimal, we have:
3A16 = (3 × 16) + (10 × 1)
3A16 = 48 + 10
3A16 = 5810
Therefore, the decimal equivalent of 3A16 is 58.