Introduction: Number to Binary Conversion
With this instructable, you will be able to transform any number into a binary number, which is used in computers and electronics
- The steps are in italic
- If it is in bold, it is what I did with my number to help you seeing how it works
Step 1: Gathering What You Need
Grab a calculator, something to write with and somewhere to write on
I chose a pen and notebook
Step 2: The Chosen Number
Think of any number that you want to convert into binary, or ask someone for a random number
I chose 456
Step 3: Follow the Sequence
Make a sequence of 2 elevated from 0-10 and circle the highest number that fits into your chosen number as base – keep sequence going longer if the number wanted is larger than 1024 (2^10)
Since my number was 456, 512 is too big, so I had to choose 256 as my base number
Step 4: Simple Math
Subtract your chosen number by your base number and put a 1 on the side
Mine was 456 – 256 = 200 and a 1 on the side
Step 5: Keep It Going
Now with the result of the subtraction, follow to the next number in the sequence, see if you can subtract the result by the following number. If so, subtract it and set another 1 aside, if you can’t, set a 0 aside
Next number in the sequence was 128, so 200 – 128 = 72 with a 1 on the side
Step 6: One More Time
Do the same thing with the next number from the sequence
Next number in the sequence was 64, 72 – 64 = 08, and a 1 on the side
Step 7: Not Done Yet
If the next number on the sequence doesn’t fit in the result, set a 0 aside and move to the next number
Next number in the sequence was 32, 32 is bigger than 8, so set a 0 aside and move to the next
Step 8: Almost There
Keep going on the sequence until you find a number that “fits” into your result
Next number in the sequence was 16, 16 is bigger than 8, so set a 0 aside and move to the next
Step 9: The Wanted Result
Subtract the result by the next number in the result, if the result becomes 0, then you are done, if there are still another number as result, keep it going
Next number in the sequence was 8, 8 – 8 = 0, so I was done
Step 10: Fill the Gaps
If there are unused numbers left in the sequence, fill it up with 0s
4 (2^2), 2 (2^1) and 1 (2^0) were left unused so I filled them up by 0s in the end
Step 11: Final Answer in Binary
Get your result in binary
My chosen number (456) in binary is 111001000