From the
University of Strathclyde
in Glasgow

Binary Numbers Stack

Binary Numbers is a HyperStudio stack that explains how to convert binary numbers to decimal and back again. As well as using simple animations to explain how to do the conversion, the stack also gives two short tests so that you can put the explanations into practice.

Download the binarystk.zip resource. (Size - 807K)

For this resource to work, the HyperStudio program must be installed on your machine. Demonstration versions for both Macintosh and Windows can be downloaded from Knowledge Adventure, Inc.

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Binary Patterns

Binary Patterns is a small program that shows how binary patterns can be used to define simple black and white graphics.

There are three versions of the program

• Binary.zip - 644K (for Windows)
• BinaryPPC.sea - 754K (for PowerPC Macintosh computers)
• Binary68.sea - 673K (for older Macintosh computers)

There is a Binary Patterns web page with more details about this program.

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The Language of Data

The Language of Data is a subsection of a resource from Micron on how RAM works. You need Shockwave to view this material. If you do not have the Shockwave plug-in installed, it's free and you can download it now!

The ASCII machine section will display the binary pattern for letters you type on your keyboard. What decimal number represents A? (65) What decimal number represents B? (66) What decimal number represents Z? (90)

Select the areas between the brackets to see the answers.

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MATHmaniaCS

This web site defines MATHmaniacs as: persons exhibiting an excessive passion for Mathematics and Computer Science!

The MATHmaniaCS Binary Numbers page is a resource for teachers and lists various resources to help teach about binary. For example, one resource is a worksheet showing how you can use ten fingers to count up to 1023! (See also the Binary Finger Counting page.) The binary piano is another interesting idea, but it is a bit difficult to get the two images to line up properly. You can download Binary Piano.doc (a two page Word document). Photocopy these two pages back to back and they should line up... probably!

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Memory Technology

The Intel Museum uses Shockwave and animated web pages to explain various aspects of chip manufacturing. The Memory Technology section is not directly about binary, but it is clearly related. For example, in the last section of the Shockwave version, you enter binary patterns into memory to display letters on the screen. In a real computer, what would be the connection between the pattern stored in memory and the letter displayed? Hint: Select the area between the brackets to see an answer (ASCII Codes). The Journey Inside section is also worth a look.

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Number Systems

The Data Structures and Number Systems page gives a general introduction to number systems. Among other things, it describes two methods of converting decimal to binary. There is also a test page where you are tested on your decimal to binary conversion skills.

Try to implement the conversion methods described in a spreadsheet. Hint: An Excel document called convert.xls can be downloaded with partial solutions and hints.

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