Binary Numbers

👩‍🏫 Teacher’s Guide

Objective
Students will explain binary as a number system using only 0 and 1 and convert simple binary numbers to decimal (up to 8).

Teaching Notes

• Teach place values: 1, 2, 4, 8 for 4-bit numbers.
• Use manipulatives: blocks or cards for each place value.
• Start with small examples: 0001, 0010, 0011, 0100.
• Remind students computers use binary to store all data.

🧒 Student Worksheet

Concept and Helping Material

Binary is a way to write numbers using only 0 and 1. Each position has a value. With 4 bits, the values are 8, 4, 2, and 1. Add the values where there is a 1.

Computer Vocabulary and Definition

• — A number system that uses only 0 and 1.
• — The number system we use every day (0–9).
• — The value of a position in a number.
• — To change from one form to another.
• — A 0 or 1 in binary.

Computer QA

1. What is binary?
2. What is decimal?
3. What does convert mean?
4. What is place value?
5. What is a bit?
6. True or False: Binary uses digits 0 to 9.
7. How many symbols does binary use?
8. What is 0001 in decimal?
9. What is 0010 in decimal?
10. What is 0011 in decimal?
11. What is 0100 in decimal?
12. What is 0101 in decimal?
13. What is 0110 in decimal?
14. What is 0111 in decimal?
15. What is 1000 in decimal?
16. In 4-bit binary, what are the place values?
17. How do you find the decimal value of a binary number?
18. True or False: 0000 equals 0.
19. Does binary help computers store numbers?
20. Why do computers use binary?

Computer Prtactices

• Binary cards: Use 8,4,2,1 cards to build numbers from 0 to 8.
• Convert practice: Write decimal for 0001, 0011, 0101, 0111, 1000.
• Make your own: Choose a decimal number 1–8 and write it in binary.
• Binary message: Use 4 bits to show your favorite number 0–8.

Reflection

• What numbers does binary use?
• How do you convert binary to decimal?