Compute the binary subtraction: 01110010 − 01001000. Express the result as an 8-bit binary number.

Introduction / Context:
Binary arithmetic is a core digital skill. This problem requires subtracting two unsigned 8-bit binary numbers and writing the 8-bit result. Understanding subtraction via direct arithmetic or via two's-complement addition is useful for both hardware design and programming contexts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Minuend: 01110010 (binary)
• Subtrahend: 01001000 (binary)
• Unsigned subtraction; produce an 8-bit result.

Concept / Approach:
Two methods exist: (1) subtract directly bit-by-bit with borrows, or (2) add the two's complement of the subtrahend to the minuend. Both yield the same result if no underflow occurs (and here 114 − 72 is positive).

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Convert to decimal for a quick check: 01110010 = 114, 01001000 = 72.2) Compute decimal difference: 114 − 72 = 42.3) Convert 42 to 8-bit binary: 42 = 32 + 8 + 2 = 00101010.4) Therefore, 01110010 − 01001000 = 00101010.

Verification / Alternative check:
Two's-complement method: take 01001000 → invert bits 10110111, add 1 → 10111000. Now add to 01110010: 01110010 + 10111000 = 00101010 with a carry out (ignored in 8-bit arithmetic). This confirms the result 00101010.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
00011010 (26): too small; would correspond to 98 − 72.01110010 (114): that is the minuend, not the difference.00111100 (60): incorrect difference.11101010: negative two's-complement value, not applicable for 114 − 72.

Common Pitfalls:
Losing track of borrows in bitwise subtraction, or mis-converting between decimal and binary. Always verify by a secondary method such as two's complement addition.

Final Answer:
00101010