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cs2010 Notes: 04 Computer Numbers

·1 min

We’ve been talking about algorithms involving numbers. That presumes that computers can process numbers.

Can they?

What numbers?

How are those numbers stored?

Do the details matter?

A simple conceptual RAM stores bits.

A modern real RAM stores bytes.

Nybbles and Hex

  • Decimal <=> Binary
  • Binary <=> Hex
  • Hex <=> Decimal

1, 2, 4, 8 byte integers

Sign bits

Floating Point