CIS3355: Business Data Structures
Fall, 2008
 

What does a BIT stand for??

BIT stands for Binary digit. Computers use the base-2 number system, also known as the binary number system. Just like your light bulb, the circuits in a computer have two states: on and off

Assume you wish to send a message using a light switch. A light switch can be either off or on.

↓  ← Off     OR  On → ↑

Other  binary conditions can be represented with a single light switch:

↓  ← False          True → ↑

Typically, We use the Binary Numbering System (which consists ONLY of the digits 0 and 1) to represent binary conditions:

And so forth ...

Some good references include:

1.   How Bits and Bytes Work
2.   Data Structures And Number Systems
3.   Bits and Bytes : An Explanation

At this point in time, you should be able to Answer the following questions:

1.  Which of the following is a binary condition?

a.  Gender
b.  Nationality
c.  Intelligence
d.  Age
e.  Education

(answer: a)

2.  Define a bit.

(Answer: A bit is a binary digit):
 

Aside:  Why would I grade this as an 'B' Tutorial??

This page was last updated on 06/25/04