Numbers in binary
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can convert between decimal numbers and binary.
Key learning points
- Natural numbers (like 1, 2, 3...) can be represented in binary, which uses only 0s and 1s.
- Each binary digit (bit) represents a power of 2, decimal digits represent powers of 10.
- You can convert a decimal number to binary by finding which powers of 2 add up to that number.
- You can convert binary back to decimal by adding the values of all the 1s in the binary number.
Keywords
Decimal - a base-10 number system that uses the digits 0 to 9
Binary - a number system that uses the digits 0 and 1 to represent data
Common misconception
Binary uses the same place value system as decimal.
Binary is a base-2 number system, whereas decimal is a base-10 number system.
Teacher tip
Some pupils may find it easier to peform conversions on paper using the tables modelled in the slide deck, these are provided on the worksheet linked to the lesson if needed.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the smallest unit of data in a computer?
Q2.Put these steps in order to measure the size of binary data:
Q3.Why do computers use binary to represent information?
Q4.If you have 4 bits, how many different values can you represent?
Q5.Match each keyword to its definition:
a system using only 0 and 1
the smallest unit of data (0 or 1)
a series of items in a set order
to show or stand for something
Q6.What does having more bits allow you to do?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What number system does binary use?
Q2.A binary digit is also called a ?
Q3.Match the binary value to its decimal value.
10
15
9
2
Q4.What is the decimal value of the binary number 1101?
Q5.Match the decimal value to its binary value.
101
111
011
Q6.Which of these binary numbers is equal to the decimal number 21?
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: Numbers in binary, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: Numbers in binary, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Data representation: text and numbers unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.