Numbers in binary
I can convert between decimal numbers and binary.
Numbers in binary
I can convert between decimal numbers and binary.
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Lesson details
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 number from the base-10 number system (also known as denary)
Binary - a number system that has 2 digits: 1 and 0
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
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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.
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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