What is a BIT

—As we know a bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer system

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—A bit can either be a 12 or a 02

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—This means that with one single bit we can only represent only 2 different values

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—12 = 110 and 02 = 010

 

 

 

 

Representing Text, Pictures etc … 

—Text, pictures and videos are also stored in a computer system using a sequence of binary digits

— Using one single bit is not enough due to its small size

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—If we want to store a large quantity of data many more bits are required.

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Combining a number of Bits 

 

—Each time a bit is combined with another bit, more different combinations can be stored.

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—If we will be using two bits to store data, there are a total of 22= 4 different combinations

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—Hence if we have 4 bits we would have 24= 16 different combinations

 

 

Working 

—With the following number of bits how many combinations could be created?

1.5 bits

2.3 bits

3.6 bits

4.8 bits 

 

 

 

 

Answers  

1.5 bits = 25 à 32 combinations

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2.3 bits = 23 à 8 combinations

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3.6 bits = 26 à 64 combinations

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4.8 bits = 28 à 256 combinations

 

 

 List of Combination 

Number of Bits	Calculation	Number of Combinations
1	21	2
2	22	4
3	23	8
4	24	16
5	25	32
6	26	64
7	27	128
8	28	256

 

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