Can computers only perform calculations on decimal data?

Computers can only perform calculations on binary data. The four arithmetic operations rules of the binary counting system are very simple; and the four arithmetic operations can ultimately be reduced to addition operations and shifts. In this way, the arithmetic circuit of the electronic computer has become very simple; not only that, the circuit is simplified and the speed is also improved. It can be improved.

#The computer itself can only perform operations on binary numbers, so its initial application was limited to the field of scientific computing. Nowadays, computers can be used in many fields because people have discovered methods to convert various forms of information into binary numbers. From the initial text to later graphics, sounds, images, videos, etc., all can be processed by computers. Various calculations are performed.

The reasons why computers use binary system

First of all, the binary counting system only uses two digits. 0 and 1, so any component with two different stable states can be used to represent a certain bit of the number. In fact, there are many components with two obvious stable states. For example, the "on" and "off" of the neon lamp; the "on" and "off" of the switch; the "high" and "low", "positive" and "negative" of the voltage; the "hole" and "hole" on the paper tape "No holes", "signal" and "no signal" in circuits, north and south poles of magnetic materials, the list goes on. It is easy to use these distinct states to represent numbers. Not only that, but more importantly, the two completely different states are not only quantitatively different, but also qualitatively different. This can greatly improve the machine's anti-interference ability and improve reliability. It is much more difficult to find a simple and reliable device that can represent more than two states.

Secondly, the four arithmetic rules of the binary counting system are very simple. Moreover, the four arithmetic operations can ultimately be reduced to addition operations and shifts. In this way, the arithmetic circuits in electronic computers have become very simple. Not only that, the line is simplified and the speed can be increased. This is also incomparable to the decimal counting system.

Third, using binary representation of numbers in electronic computers can save equipment. It can be theoretically proven that using the ternary system saves the most equipment, followed by the binary system. However, because the binary system has advantages that other binary systems, including the ternary system, do not have, most electronic computers still use the binary system. In addition, since only two symbols "0" and "1" are used in binary, Boolean algebra can be used to analyze and synthesize the logical circuits in the machine. This provides a useful tool for designing electronic computer circuits.

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