(a) Convert the denary number 173 into an 8-bit binary number. [1]
(b) Convert the binary number 01011110 into hexadecimal. [1]
(c) Convert the hexadecimal number 3C into denary. [1]
(d) Give one reason why programmers use hexadecimal instead of binary. [1]
- (a) 10101101(1)
- (b) 5E(1)
- (c) 60(1)
- (d) Easier for humans to read / remember / shorter; fewer mistakes when typing / copying; do not accept 'computers use hexadecimal' or 'takes up less memory'(1)
- Answer: (a) 10101101 (b) 5E (c) 60 (d) Easier for humans to read and fewer errors
- Examiner tip: Hex does NOT save storage space – the computer still stores it as binary, so that answer scores 0.