Binary to decimal — evaluate positional weights Convert the binary number 01011 (base 2) into its decimal (base 10) value.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 11

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Binary-to-decimal conversion uses positional weights: each bit contributes a power of 2 if set. Reading from right to left, the weights are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and so on. We will apply this directly to 01011_2 and verify by alternative grouping intuition if desired.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Binary input: 01011.
  • Unsigned interpretation.
  • No fixed width needed beyond the given bits.


Concept / Approach:

Sum the weights corresponding to 1-bits. A 0-bit contributes nothing for its position. The leading zero does not change the value; it only reflects formatting width.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Write weights for each position (left→right): 16, 8, 4, 2, 1.Match to bits: 0·16 + 1·8 + 0·4 + 1·2 + 1·1.Compute: 0 + 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11.Therefore, 01011_2 = 11_10.


Verification / Alternative check:

Binary 01011 equals 1011 if leading zero is dropped; 1011 is a familiar pattern (8 + 2 + 1) → 11. Both views agree.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

35 and 15: far larger than the sum of these five positions with only three ones set; 15 would require 1111.

10: one less than the correct value; it omits the LSB contribution of 1.


Common Pitfalls:

Misaligning positional weights or dropping the final 1-bit contribution. Always label powers of 2 before summing to avoid mistakes.


Final Answer:

11

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