What is Number System ?

A number system is a method to represent numbers mathematically. It can use

arithmetic operations to represent every number uniquely. To represent a number, it
requires a base or radix.

Types of Number System

There are four common types of number systems based on the radix or base of the
number :

Decimal number system or Base 10 number system

Binary number system or Base 2 number system
Octal number system or Base 8 number system
Hexadecimal number system or Base 16 number system
Number System Conversion Methods
A number N in base or radix b can be written as:

(N)b = dn-1 dn-2 -- -- -- -- d1 d0 . d-1 d-2 -- -- -- -- d-m

In the above, dn-1 to d0 is the integer part, then follows a radix point, and then
d-1 to d-m is the fractional part.

dn-1 = Most significant bit (MSB)

d-m = Least significant bit (LSB)

1. Decimal to Binary Number System

To convert from decimal to binary, start dividing decimal number by 2, and whatever
the reminder getting, writing down from bottom to top, and that will be the binary
number representation of the decimal number. And the number contains fractional
part, then multiply 2 in the fractional part.

Example
(10.25)10

Note: Keep multiplying the fractional part with 2 until decimal part 0.00 is
obtained.
(0.25)10 = (0.01)2

Answer: (10.25)10 = (1010.01)2

2. Binary to Decimal Number System

To convert from binary to decimal, start multiplying the exponent of 2 with each
digit of the number in decreasing order. If the number contains fractional part
then will divide it by the exponent of 2.

Example
(1010.01)2
1x23 + 0x22 + 1x21+ 0x20 + 0x2 -1 + 1x2 -2 = 8+0+2+0+0+0.25 = 10.25
(1010.01)2 = (10.25)10
3. Decimal to Octal Number System
To convert from decimal to octal, start dividing decimal number by 8, and whatever
the reminder getting, writing down from bottom to top, and that will be the octal
number representation of the decimal number. And the number contains fractional
part, then multiply 8 in the fractional part.
Example
(10.25)10
(10)10 = (12)8
Fractional part:
0.25 x 8 = 2.00
Note: Keep multiplying the fractional part with 8 until decimal part .00 is
obtained.
(.25)10 = (.2)8

Answer: (10.25)10 = (12.2)8

4. Octal to Decimal Number System

To convert from octal to decimal, start multiplying the exponent of 8 with each
digit of the number in decreasing order. If the number contains fractional part
then will divide it by the exponent of 8.

Example
(12.2)8
1 x 81 + 2 x 80 +2 x 8-1 = 8+2+0.25 = 10.25
(12.2)8 = (10.25)10
5. Hexadecimal to Binary Number System
To convert from Hexadecimal to Binary, write the 4-bit binary equivalent of
hexadecimal.

Example
(3A)16 = (00111010)2

6. Binary to Hexadecimal Number System

To convert from Binary to Hexadecimal, start grouping the bits in groups of 4 from
the right-end and write the equivalent hexadecimal for the 4-bit binary. Add extra
0’s on the left to adjust the groups.

Example
1111011011
0011 1101 1011
(001111011011 )2 = (3DB)16
7. Binary to Octal Number System
To convert from binary to octal, start grouping the bits in groups of 3 from the
right end and write the equivalent octal for the 3-bit binary. Add 0’s on the left
to adjust the groups.

Example
111101101

111 101 101

(111101101)2 = (755)8

Conclusion
In the conclusion, number system provides a representation of a number with respect
to the given base or radix. Basically, we have common types of number system named
as binary number system, decimal number system, octal number system and hexadecimal
number system.

Number System and Base Conversions – FAQs

What is number system and its conversion?
A number system is a method to represent numbers mathematically. It can use
arithmetic operations to represent every number uniquely. To represent a number, we
convert it requires a base or radix.

How to do base conversions?

For this, first take the number and then divide it by the given base. Then note
down the remainder obtained after the division. Then, divide the quotient of the
division obtained by the given base.

How to calculate number system?

There are 3 required steps to calculate the number system.

STEP 1 – Divide the number with the given base of another number.

STEP 2 – Note down the resulting remainder

STEP 3 – Divide the quotient

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