5.   How many bits would I need to:

 

a.      represent all lower case characters?

b.     represent all states in the United States?

c.      represent all individuals in the United States (assume 250 Million)?

d.     represent the National Deficit (1998: Approximately $4.5 Trillion)?

 

 


      a.  26 characters =>  n =    log(26)/log(2)         =    1 .41497/ 0.301  =     4.7341      =   5      

    b.  50 States       =>   n =    log(50)/log(2)         =    1.69897/ 0.301   =     5.6444      =   6

    c.   250 Million  =>   n =    log(250M)/log(2)  =     8.39794/0.301      =       27.9        =  28

     d.   4.5 Trillion   =>    n =    log(4.5T)/log(2)    =     12.653/0.301        =     42.18        =  43