What number system does a computer use?

The number system used by computers is binary. Using binary to represent numbers in electronic computers can save equipment. It can be theoretically proven that using ternary system saves the most equipment, followed by binary system. However, because binary system The binary system has advantages that other binary systems, including the ternary system, do not have, so most electronic computers still use the binary system.

The number system used internally by the computer is binary. 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.

Extended information:

The binary notation system uses only 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 paper tape "with holes" and "without holes", "with signal" and "without signal" in circuits, the south pole and north pole of magnetic materials, and 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.

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.

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