Computational Thinking: Binary Numbers

Computational thinking means thinking or solving problems like computer scientists. Computational thinking refers to thought processes required in understanding problems and formulating solutions. Computational thinking involves logic, assessment, patterns, automation, and generalisation.

We are learning about binary numbers. A binary number is expressed in base 2. Binary numbers are made up of 0s and 1s.

110100
Example of a Binary Number

There is no 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 in Binary!

A "bit" is a single binary digit. The number above has 6 bits.

Binary Numbers

What are Binary Numbers?

Binary numbers are the way computers think. Computers only think by using 1’s and 0’s. imagine that! Only using 1’s and 0’s to think!

Well Binary numbers are simple, binary numbers only use 1’s and 0’s, this is similar to barcodes right? Yes, but the calculations are different.

So if you want to make a 1 then you’ll have to have a code, so here our code will be 00001 and that will = 1.

If you look at the example. The 0 is turned off and the 1 is turned on. We are going to show you some of the possible codes.

There are a lot of codes. (too many it made our brains hurt but that is ok as we know that challenges grow our brains.) Here are 10 of them:

          

00000 =0.

00001 = 1.    00010 = 2.

00011 = 3.    00100 = 4.

00101 = 5.    00110 = 6.

00111 = 7.    01000 = 8.

01001 = 9.    01010 = 10.

If you haven’t already guessed the pattern we’ll tell you. So if you have already seen that the 1 keeps on moving. If you got that you’re right.

By Leola and Alex P

You can find out more: http://csunplugged.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/unplugged-01-binary_numbers.pdf