Number Systems and Binary Code

We know our numbers right? 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.. and so on. But did you know that there are other ways of representing numbers?

In ancient Rome, Roman numerals were used as the accepted number system. Combinations of the letters I, V, X and so on were used to represent the numbers 1, 5, 10, etc. (See below).

Can you see the pattern with Roman numerals? How about a test? What would the current year be in Roman numerals? How about the year this movie came out?

The system we use is called decimal form and it goes from 0 to 9. Another system known as Binary, uses groups of 0s and 1s to represent every known number. Ever wonder how numbers are transformed into binary form? Check it out here!

Decimal works with numerals 0-9. When the number exceed 9 the numerals move one place value to the left and begin counting up again. Binary uses the numerals 0 and 1. When the number exceeds 1 the numerals also move one place value to the left. Can you use the chart below to make comparisons between the number systems?