1.2 Network Math  
  1.2.6 Converting 8-bit binary numbers to decimal numbers  
There are two basic ways to convert binary numbers to decimal numbers. The flowchart in Figure shows one example.

Binary numbers can also be converted to decimal numbers by multiplying the binary digits by the base number of the system, which is Base 2, and raised to the exponent of its position.

Example:

Convert the binary number 01110000 to a decimal number.

Note: Work from right to left. Remember that anything raised to the 0 power is 1. Therefore 20 = 1

   0 x 20 =   0
 0 x 21 =   0
   0 x 22 =   0
   0 x 23 =   0
   1 x 24 = 16
   1 x 25 = 32
   1 x 26 = 64
+  0 x 27=   0
–––––––––––
            112
  Note: The sum of the powers of 2 that have a 1 in their position

The number converter activity will provide more practice.

 

Lab Activity

Lab Exercise: Binary to Decimal Conversion

In this lab, the student will learn and practice the process of converting binary values to decimal values.

     
 

Web Links

Binary Numbers

http://www.netlingo.com/more/binary.html