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.