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Number System Conversions – Briefly Explained

We deal with different kinds of numbers throughout our life. Besides their use in calculations, some numbers carry our identity and other kinds of information as well. On the other hand, technology that is benefiting us in almost every field of life is totally based on the concept of numbers. You may ask ‘how?’, the answer is “computers and other smart devices see almost any sort of information, be it a visual, audio, or text in the form of an array of numbers.” The language understood by computers and various other smart devices is known as machine language.

This language is based on the binary number system and consists of binary numbers only, which are also known as ‘bits. ’The information presented to smart devices is converted into bits and preserved in the form of bits as well. When we need the data or information back, computers and other devices convert it from binary to text, which makes the information understandable for us. Programmers used to program computers and other smart devices in machine language a few decades ago. However, languages like C, Python, and Ruby were developed over time, which made it easier for programmers to develop operating systems, software tools, and applications.

This development didn’t end the importance of binary code and machine language. They are still very important. Other number systems and their conversions complement the entire process of development, depiction, preservation, and retrieval of information. Hence we will briefly explain all the number systems and conversions like hex to decimal, binary to hex, binary to decimal, and binary to text in this writing. Scroll down for further information:

Brief Explanation of Number Systems and Their Conversions

Here we will elaborate on the number systems used for different purposes, including the process of understanding the information saved in the computer:

Binary Number System

The first number system in our list is the binary system. This number system has a base of 2 and includes only two digits that are known as bits. These bits are 0 and 1. This number system also serves as the foundation of machine language or binary language. All the numbers and characters are written in the form of 0 and 1.

Decimal Number System

Just like the binary number system, the decimal number system has a numerical base as well. The base of the decimal number system is 10. It includes numbers from 0 to 9. This number system is commonly used for calculations all around the world. However, in order to make it understandable for computers, numerical expressions written in the decimal number system are converted to binary numbers before any further action.

Hexadecimal Number System

This number system is simply known as the hex system. The base of this number system is 16. The number included in this number system are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, a, b, c, d, e, and f. Where a is equivalent to number 10 in the decimal system and f is equal to 15. The hexadecimal number makes it quick for programmers to understand the meaning of a binary expression.

Conversion of Numbers to Other Number Systems and Text

You can easily convert the binary expression into a decimal or a hexadecimal number and the other way around. For instance, if you want to convert 14 (a decimal number) into a binary number, you will divide it with base 2, and the answer will be 1110. If you want to convert it back to a decimal number again, then you need to multiply the base of the binary system with increasing power to obtain the decimal number back. Here is how, 1*2^3 + 1*2^2 + 1*2^1 + 0*2^0.

By simplifying this mathematical expression, you will get 8 + 4 + 2 + 0, which equals 14. For hex to binary and binary to hex, the process is more simple. You just have to take a hex pair and convert it into a binary expression that will include 8 bits. Similarly, 4 bits of a binary expression will make a hex number.

To convert an expression from binary to text, you will have to convert a binary expression into an ASCII (stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange) value. Each character carries a specific ASCII value. Once you determine the ASCII value of a binary expression, you will be able to understand the message. For instance, ASCII value 7a is ‘z,’ in decimal it will be written as 122, and the ASCII value of lowercase letter “z” is 122. If you see an expression like “4D 4F 4D”, it simply means “MOM” because 4D is the ASCII value of the uppercase letter ‘M’ and that of “O” is 4F. In case you think it is a laborious task and takes too much time, then a simple solution for this purpose is converting binary to text online using a tool. You can also find online tools to convert hex to decimal, decimal to binary, and binary to hex using online tools.

Binary to Decimal Converter Calculator

Final Thoughts

We tried to briefly explain all the number systems and their basics. The conversion of numbers from different number systems is also necessary; hence we elaborated on various types of conversions as well. We hope these details will help you understand the concept of converting binary to text, hex to binary, and various other conversions. This writing will also help you understand the importance of various number systems, especially the binary system for programmers. If you want to convert expressions from a number system to another or convert them to text, such as binary to text, you can use online tools for this purpose as well. Now, it will be an easy affair for you!