Number Base
Mathematics Online Coaching | Topic
Note
Introduction
• A number base (radix) is the number of
unique digits, including zero, used to
represent numbers in a positional numeral
system.
• Common Number Bases:
• - Base 2 (Binary): 0, 1
• - Base 8 (Octal): 0–7
Converting to Base 10
• Use the formula:
• (d_nd_{n-1}...d_0)_b = d_n * b^n + d_{n-1} *
b^{n-1} + ... + d_0 * b^0
• Examples:
• 1. (1011)_2 = 1*8 + 0*4 + 1*2 + 1 = 11
• 2. (231)_4 = 2*16 + 3*4 + 1 = 45
Converting from Base 10
• Use repeated division by the new base, write
remainders in reverse.
• Examples:
• 1. 19 to base 2 => 10011
• 2. 85 to base 4 => 1111
Conversion Between Non-Decimal
Bases
• 1. Convert to base 10
• 2. Then convert to target base
• Example:
• (1111)_2 => 15_{10} => 17_8
Arithmetic in Bases
• Addition:
• (1011)_2 + (1101)_2 = 11000
• Subtraction:
• (1101)_2 - (1010)_2 = 0011
Validity of a Number in a Base
• A number is invalid in a base if it uses a digit ≥
base.
• Example:
• 128_2 is invalid (8 not in binary)
Shortcut Conversions
• Binary to Octal: group in 3s (from right)
• Binary to Hex: group in 4s (from right)
• Examples:
• 110101_2 => 65_8
• 11101001_2 => E9_16
Practice Exercises
• 1. Convert to Base 10:
• a. (1100)_2
• b. (243)_5
• c. (1A)_16
• 2. Convert from Base 10:
• a. 38 to base 2
• b. 123 to base 8
Answers
• 1. a. 12, b. 73, c. 26
• 2. a. 100110_2, b. 173_8
• 3. a. 65_8, b. 47
Conclusion
• Understanding number bases is essential in
math and computer science.
• Master:
• - Base conversions
• - Arithmetic in other bases
• - Validity checks