Learning Guide Unit 2
Overview
UNIT 2: Number Systems and Codes
Topics
o Number systems: Binary, decimal, octal, hexadecimal
o Base conversions: Decimal to binary, octal to binary, hexadecimal to
binary, and vice versa
o Coding representation: ASCII, Unicode, Gray code, BCD, and EBCDIC
Learning Objectives
By the end of this Unit, you will be able to:
1. Explain the conversion of numbers between binary, decimal, octal, and
hexadecimal number systems.
2. Compare and contrast the different coding representations in terms of
character set size, compatibility, and usage in various industries.
Tasks
o Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.
o Complete and submit the Assignment Activity.
o Take and submit the Self-Quiz.
Introduction
Welcome to unit 2! In Unit 2, you will delve into the fundamental concepts of Number
Systems and Codes, exploring key topics that form the foundation of digital information
representation. You will embark on a journey to understand the intricate world of number
systems and coding schemes, essential components of digital computing and
information processing. The aim of this unit is to equip you with a robust understanding
of number systems and coding schemes, laying the foundation for efficient digital
information representation.
This unit begins with a comprehensive exploration of the binary, decimal, octal, and
hexadecimal number systems. These systems are the bedrock of digital computing,
serving as the fundamental languages for representing numerical values. You will
explore the binary, decimal, octal, and hexadecimal number systems, understanding
their significance in digital computing and information processing. A crucial aspect of this
unit revolves around mastering the art of converting numbers between different bases.
From Decimal to Binary, Octal to Binary, Hexadecimal to Binary, and vice versa, you will
be equipped with the essential skills for seamless translation between these numerical
languages. This proficiency is paramount for understanding and manipulating digital
data, forming the backbone of many computational processes. An exploration of coding
schemes is integral to this unit.
As the unit progresses, the focus will be shifted to the intricate world of coding schemes,
unraveling the diverse ways in which data is represented and communicated in the
digital realm. We will examine ASCII, Unicode, Gray code, Binary Coded Decimal
(BCD), and Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC).
Understanding these representations is crucial for effective data encoding and
communication.
Consider answering the following questions:
1. How do binary, decimal, octal, and hexadecimal number systems differ, and what
are their respective applications in computing?
2. How is conversion of binary, decimal, octal, and hexadecimal numbers
performed?
3. Explain the purpose of Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) and its applications in
computing.
4. Why is understanding base conversions crucial in the context of computer
science and digital information processing?
Reading Assignment
For Number Systems and Base Conversions read:
1. Ndjountche, T. (2016). Digital electronics 1: Combinational logic circuits. John
Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Log into the UoPeople library and go to LIRN. Click on Access to Library and
Information Resource Network, go to Computer Science and click on EBook
Central. Search for the entire name of the ebook. Use the Learning Resource
Center to read on how to use the online library.
View the online book.
Read Chapter 1 - Number Systems (pp. 20 to pp.26)
o Section 1.1: Introduction
o Section 1.2: Decimal numbers
o Section 1.3: Binary numbers
o Section 1.4: Octal numbers
o Section 1.5: Hexadecimal numeration
o Section 1.6: Representation in a radix B
Through these readings, you will learn the foundational concepts of number systems and
their significance in digital computation. You will acquire a comprehensive understanding
of decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal numeration. It will help you develop the skills
to represent and manipulate numbers in different bases.
For Coding Representation: ASCII, Unicode, Gray code, BCD, and EBCDIC read:
1. Ndjountche T. (2016). Digital electronics 1: Combinational logic circuits. John
Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Log into the UoPeople library and go to LIRN. Click on Access to Library and
Information Resource Network, go to Computer Science and click on EBook
Central. Search for the entire name of the ebook Use the Learning Resource
Center to read on how to use the online library.
View the online book.
Read Chapter 1 - Number Systems
o Section 1.7 - Binary-coded decimal numbers (pp.26 to pp.27)
o Section 1.12 - Data Representation (pp. 46 to pp. 49)
1.12.1 - Gray code
1.12.3 - ASCII code
1.12.4 - Other codes
2. Robertson, S. (2020). B c, before computers: On information technology from
writing to the age of digital data. Open Book Publishers.
Log into the UoPeople library and go to LIRN. Click on Access to Library and
Information Resource Network, go to Computer Science and click on EBook
Central. Search for the entire name of the ebook Use the Learning Resource
Center to read on how to use the online library.
View the online book.
Chapter 5: More about the alphabets
o Read Section: Coding for the modern era (pp.53 to pp. 54)
The readings (Number 1 and Number 2) will help you to gain a comprehensive
understanding of various coding representations, their characteristics, applications, and
the implications of choosing one over another in different contexts within the realm of
information technology and computer science. You will be exploring real-world
applications and scenarios where different coding representations are commonly used.
Assignment Activity
Assignment Instructions:
In this assignment, you will be able to examine, identify, and apply the basic concepts of
number systems.
Scenario: Envision yourself working at a technology company specializing in software
development for various industries. One day, your supervisor hands you a task to
convert a set of decimal numbers into their binary, octal, and hexadecimal equivalents
for a project that involves encoding and decoding data. The numbers are critical for a
system that communicates with different devices using specific coding representations.
1. Explain the process you would follow to convert the given decimal numbers to
binary, octal, and hexadecimal representations. Take the first 3 digits of your birth
date as an example. (For example, if your birthdate is 28-11-1982 then take 281
as number for the conversions)
2. Why is it important to be proficient in converting between different number
systems in a technical industry job?
3. In this scenario, why might it be necessary to use different coding representations
like ASCII, Unicode, or BCD for different aspects of the project? How would you
choose which representation to use?
4. Provide an example of a situation where choosing the right coding representation
could be crucial for the success of a project.
5. Compare and contrast the character set size, compatibility, and usage of ASCII,
Unicode, Gray code, BCD, and EBCDIC in the context of this project. Which
coding representation would you recommend for this particular task and why?
Submission Instructions
Read the rubric on how you are going to be graded before you start to work on
this assignment.
Your assignment should be a minimum of 500 words and not more than 750
words (not including the reference list or the title); double-spaced in Times New
Roman font, which is no greater than 12 points in size.
You can submit your assignment in a Word document format.
Use in-text citations to properly attribute information, ideas, or quotes that are not
your own. Format your references according to APA guidelines. For assistance
with APA formatting, view the Learning Resource Center: Academic
Writing.
You can read more information about how to evaluate Information and its sources
critically in the C.R.A.A.P (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and
Purpose) handout or the C.R.A.A.P PDF brochure.
This assignment will be assessed by your instructor using the rubric available on
the assignment page in course homepage.
Self-Quiz
The Self-Quiz gives you an opportunity to self-assess your knowledge of what you have
learned so far.
The results of the Self-Quiz do not count towards your final grade. However,the quiz is
an important part of the University’s learning process and it is expected that you will take
it to ensure understanding of the materials presented. Reviewing and analyzing your
results will help you perform better on future Graded Quizzes and the Final Exam.
Please access the Self-Quiz on the main course homepage; it is listed inside the
Unit.
Checklist
o Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.
o Complete and submit the Assignment Activity.
o Take and submit the Self-Quiz.
