Computers recognize and process data using the binary, or Base 2, numbering system. The binary system uses only two symbols, 0 and 1, instead of the ten symbols used in the decimal numbering system. The position, or place, of each digit from right to left in a binary number represents 2, the base number, raised to a power or exponent, starting from 0. These place values are, from right to left, 2⁰, 2¹, 2², 2³, 2⁴, 2⁵, 2⁶, and 2⁷, or 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 respectively.

Example:

10110₂ = (1 x 2⁴ = 16) + (0 x 2³ = 0) + (1 x 2² = 4) + (1 x 2¹ = 2) + (0 x 2⁰ = 0) = 22 (16 + 0 + 4 + 2 + 0)

If the binary number (10110₂) is read left to right, there is a 1 in the 16s position, a 0 in the 8s position, a 1 in the 4s position, a 1 in the 2s position, and a 0 in the 1s position, which adds up to decimal number 22.

Web Links Base 2 (Binary) Numbering System http://www.psinvention.com/zoetic/ base2.htm