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Introduction to Binary


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Welcome to DTS Tech Fit Edu! Today, we’re exploring binary. Binary is the language computers use to process and store data. In this blog, we’ll explain what binary is, how it’s used, key terms, and include a fun activity to help you learn.

What Is Binary?

Binary is a number system. It uses only two digits: 0 and 1.Every piece of data in a computer is stored as a combination of 0s and 1s.

Why? Computers are made of tiny switches that can be on (1) or off (0). Binary matches this system perfectly.

What Is Binary Used For?

Binary powers everything in computing. Here are some examples:

  1. Text storage – Letters and numbers are converted into binary code.

  2. Images – Pictures are stored as patterns of binary data.

  3. Sound files – Music and sound effects are saved in binary.

  4. Videos – Movies are stored as streams of 0s and 1s.

  5. Instructions – Programs and apps run on binary commands.

Key Binary Terms

Here are some basic terms you need to know:

Term

Definition

Binary System

A way of representing numbers using only 0s and 1s.

Bit

Short for “binary digit,” it’s the smallest unit of data (a single 0 or 1).

Byte

A group of 8 bits. For example, 11001100 is 1 byte.

Decimal

The number system we use every day, based on 10 digits (0-9).

Conversion

Changing numbers between decimal and binary.

Binary Code

A series of 0s and 1s used to represent data in computers.

ASCII

A system that converts letters and symbols into binary.

Machine Code

Instructions in binary that tell the computer what to do.

Logic Gate

A part of a computer chip that performs operations using binary inputs (0s and 1s).

Bitwise Operation

A way to manipulate binary numbers directly (e.g., AND, OR, NOT).

Activity: Convert Decimal to Binary

Let’s practice converting a number from decimal to binary.

Example: Convert the number 5.

  1. Write down the powers of 2: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.

  2. Start from the largest power of 2 smaller than the number. For 5, that’s 4.

  3. Subtract the power of 2 and write 1. 5 - 4 = 1 → Write 1 for the 4’s place.

  4. Continue with the next powers of 2. 1 - 1 = 0 → Write 1 for the 1’s place and 0 for all others.

    • Final binary: 101

Try these numbers:

  • 10 → Binary: ?

  • 15 → Binary: ?

  • 7 → Binary: ?

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