Binary arithmetic
Performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in binary using similar algorithms to decimal arithmetic. Binary arithmetic is fundamental to computer hardware operations. Two's complement enables negative number representation and subtraction. Overflow occurs when results exceed representable range.
Formula
1 + 1 = 10 (binary); carry rules mirror decimal addition
Real World
The ALU inside an ARM processor used in Raspberry Pi performs billions of binary additions per second — every game physics calculation in Minecraft Pi Edition relies on these operations.
Exam Focus
Always show carry bits explicitly above each column; omitting carries is the most common reason students lose marks on binary addition questions.
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