Fascinating Fact:
In hexadecimal, a base sixteen system used in computing, letters like A, B, C, D, E, and F represent numbers ten to fifteen, an alphabet built on place value.
In 11 Plus Maths, pupils discover how numbers can be written using different base systems. Understanding place value beyond base ten helps students grasp how computers use binary and hexadecimal to process information.
Key Terms
- Base System: The number of digits a counting system uses before moving to the next place value.
- Binary: A base two system that uses only the digits zero and one, commonly used in computing.
- Hexadecimal: A base sixteen system that uses digits zero to nine and letters A to F to represent values.
Parents can find more information on how topics like place value are taught in our 11 Plus subject guide for parents.
Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)
What is a base system in maths?
A base system is a way of counting where each place value represents a power of the base number. For example, base ten uses ones, tens, hundreds, and so on.
Why do computers use binary instead of base ten?
Computers use binary because they operate with electrical signals that can only be on or off, which perfectly fits the two digits used in binary, zero and one.
What are hexadecimal numbers used for?
Hexadecimal numbers are used in computing to shorten long binary codes, making them easier for humans to read and write.
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