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Item 87 of 426 · Year 11: Programming Fundamentals, 41 of 69
Two's complement
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Definition
A way of storing signed (positive and negative) integers in binary: write the positive number, invert every bit, then add 1 to get the negative. The left-most bit is the sign bit (1 = negative).
Example: 8-bit: +5 = 00000101; invert = 11111010; add 1 = 11111011 = -5.
Found in: syllabus.
Signed binary: invert bits and add 1.
Where you'll use it in the test
Syllabus area: Y11 Programming Fundamentals.
Question types it can appear in
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
- Fill in the blanks: Find the 8-bit form of a negative number
- Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
How to use it
A model sentence
“A way of storing signed (positive and negative) integers in binary: write the positive number, invert every bit, then add 1 to get the negative.” Then apply it: 8-bit: +5 = 00000101; invert = 11111010; add 1 = 11111011 = -5.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
No linked question shows the command word for this term. Across the past short answer questions in this bank the words used most are: Explain, Outline, Describe, Compare, Classify, Analyse. Check the actual word in your question.
Go deeper
- Flashcard: Two's complement in Programming Fundamentals (Year 11) · study that set
- Memorise: Data structures
- Key terms bank entry: Two's complement
- Notes: Number systems, two's complement, characters (Year 11 content (Programming fundamentals, OOP, Mechatronics))
- Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Two's complement
Check yourself
Explain “Two's complement” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.
Reveal the answer
A way of storing signed (positive and negative) integers in binary: write the positive number, invert every bit, then add 1 to get the negative. The left-most bit is the sign bit (1 = negative).
Example: 8-bit: +5 = 00000101; invert = 11111010; add 1 = 11111011 = -5.
Could be tested as: Multiple choice, Fill in the blanks, Short answer.