Digital electronics: Convert the decimal number 151.75 into its binary representation. Be sure to show the correct integer part and the fractional part (to two binary fractional places as appropriate).

Electronics Number Systems and Codes Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    10000111.11
  • B
    11010011.01
  • C
    00111100.00
  • D
    10010111.11

Answer

Correct Answer: 10010111.11

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Binary conversion is a foundational skill in computer engineering and digital electronics. This problem asks for converting a mixed decimal number (an integer plus a fractional part) into binary, which reinforces the two complementary procedures: repeated division by 2 for the integer portion and repeated multiplication by 2 for the fractional portion. Mastering both methods is essential for interpreting numeric data, fixed-point formats, and low-level representations used in microcontrollers and digital signal processing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Decimal value: 151.75.
  • Target base: base 2 (binary).
  • Precision: fraction has exactly 0.75, which is exactly representable in two binary fractional bits.
  • No rounding is required because 0.75 is an exact dyadic fraction.

Concept / Approach:Convert the integer part using repeated division by 2 and noting remainders. Convert the fractional part using repeated multiplication by 2 and recording integer carries. The final binary number is integer_bits.fraction_bits. Since 0.75 equals 3/4, which is 0.11 in binary, the fractional conversion is straightforward.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Integer part: 151 / 2 → remainders give bits from LSB to MSB.151 = 128 + 16 + 4 + 2 + 1 → bits at 128, 16, 4, 2, 1 set → 10010111.Fractional part: 0.75 * 2 = 1.5 → take 1, keep 0.5.0.5 * 2 = 1.0 → take 1, fraction becomes 0 → fractional bits = .11.Combine: 151.75 → 10010111.11 (binary).

Verification / Alternative check:Convert back: 10010111.11 = 128 + 16 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1/2 + 1/4 = 151 + 0.75 = 151.75. The round-trip confirms the correctness without rounding error.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 10000111.11: Integer part 135, not 151.
  • 11010011.01: Represents a different integer and a non-matching fractional part.
  • 00111100.00: Equals 60 decimal with zero fraction, not 151.75.

Common Pitfalls:Reversing remainder order for the integer conversion, misplacing the binary point, or confusing 0.75 with 0.3 repeating in binary. Remember that fractions with denominators that are powers of 2 convert exactly to a finite number of binary fractional bits.

Final Answer:10010111.11

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