GCSE Computer Science Revision

Converting Between Binary and Hexadecimal

Understanding how to convert between binary and hexadecimal is crucial in computer science. This guide will cover the conversion processes for 8-bit binary numbers (range 00000000 – 11111111) and their hexadecimal equivalents (range 00 – FF).

Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion

To convert a binary number to hexadecimal, divide the binary number into groups of four bits (starting from the right), and then convert each group to its hexadecimal equivalent.

Example:

Convert 10111011 to hexadecimal:

  • Divide into groups: 1011 1011
  • Convert each group: 1011 (B) and 1011 (B)
  • Hexadecimal equivalent: BB

Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion

To convert a hexadecimal number to binary, convert each hexadecimal digit to its four-bit binary equivalent.

Example:

Convert 1A to binary:

  • Convert each digit: 1 (0001) and A (1010)
  • Binary equivalent: 00011010

Conversion Practice

Understanding these conversions is important for data representation and manipulation in various computing applications.

Exercise:

Question: Convert the binary number 11010110 to hexadecimal.

Answer: Divide into groups: 1101 (D) and 0110 (6), so the hexadecimal equivalent is D6.