Identify the most significant bit (MSB): For the binary number 11001, the MSB is ________.

Introduction / Context:
Understanding bit positions is foundational in digital electronics. The most significant bit (MSB) is the leftmost bit in a standard binary representation and carries the highest positional weight. This question checks the ability to identify the MSB of a given binary number without confusing it with values or encodings in other number systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Binary number provided: 11001.
• Conventional left-to-right notation with the MSB on the left.
• No sign bit interpretation is explicitly specified; treat as unsigned.

Concept / Approach:
In positional notation, the MSB is the leftmost digit. For binary, weights from right to left are 2^0, 2^1, 2^2, 2^3, etc. The MSB therefore determines the largest power-of-two contribution in the number. For 11001, the leftmost symbol is 1, making the MSB equal to 1.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compute value to see role of MSB: 11001 = 116 + 18 + 04 + 02 + 1*1 = 25. The MSB’s weight is 16 (2^4), confirming its dominant contribution.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 1100: This is a substring, not a single bit.
• C: A hexadecimal digit, not relevant for identifying a binary bit.
• 1916: A malformed hex-like notation; irrelevant.
• 0: Not the leftmost symbol in 11001.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “most significant digit” with “highest numeric symbol” and mixing number systems (hex vs. binary); reading bits right-to-left inadvertently; misapplying signed magnitude when not specified.

Final Answer:
1