Hexadecimal
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how numbers are represented in hexadecimal and why it is useful in computer science.
Key learning points
- Hexadecimal is often used by humans instead of binary because it is easier to read and interpret and uses fewer digits.
- Hexadecimal is a base-16 number system.
- The digits used for hexadecimal are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E and F.
Keywords
Hexadecimal - a base-16 number system that uses the digits 0 to 9 and the letters A, B, C, D, E and F
Base-16 - a number system that uses 16 digits
Common misconception
Hexadecimal numbers are used to take up less memory on the computer.
Computers still only process and store binary data. Hexadecimal is used by humans to help them process long binary sequences more easily but the underlying number of bits is still the same.
Teacher tip
Take time to model the coutning process of hexadecimal and especially the overlap between place values. Even though pupils will be unfamilar with the use of letters, the counting process is still the same as any other number system.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the binary number system based on?
Q2.Which number system uses the digits 0 to 9?
Q3.What is the name of the electronic switch used in computing?
Q4.In ascending order, give the results of the rules of binary addition: 0 + 0, 0 + 1, 1 + 1, 1 + 1 + 1.
Q5.What happens when you shift a binary number to the left?
Q6.In binary, what is 110 multiplied by 1000?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of the base-16 number system?
Q2.What value is missing from these hexadecimal values? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F
Q3.Match these number bases with their correct definition:
a base-16 numbering system that uses the values 0 to 9 and A to F
a base-2 numbering system that uses the digits 0 and 1
a base-10 numbering system that uses the digits 0 to 9
Q4.Why do humans use hexadecimal instead of binary?
Q5.Which of the following is NOT a value used in hexadecimal?
Q6.What is the hexadecimal equivalent of the binary number 1010?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Hexadecimal, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Hexadecimal, 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 4 computer science lessons from the Representation of numbers unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.