Compute the 1's complement of a binary word Find the 1's complement (bitwise inversion) of the binary number 101010₂. Select the correct result.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 010101₂

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Complements are foundational in digital arithmetic. The 1’s complement of a binary number is produced by flipping every bit: 1 becomes 0 and 0 becomes 1. This operation is used in some arithmetic schemes and in checksum calculations, so fluency with complements is essential.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Original number: 101010₂ (six bits).
  • 1’s complement means bitwise inversion only (no +1 as in 2’s complement).
  • We preserve the bit-width.


Concept / Approach:
Apply the transformation b_i → 1 − b_i to each bit. This is equivalent to XOR with 1 for every position. Perform it left to right or right to left—order does not matter as long as each bit is inverted once.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Write the original: 1 0 1 0 1 0Invert each bit: 0 1 0 1 0 1Collect the result: 010101₂Check parity of pattern: alternating bits remain alternating after inversion.


Verification / Alternative check:
Use a quick mental check: the pattern 101010 becomes 010101, confirming that each position flipped.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

010110₂: differs in the fifth bit; not a pure inversion.110111₂: multiple bits do not match an inversion of the original.101011₂: differs only in LSB; that is a +1 change, not inversion.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing 1’s complement (invert) with 2’s complement (invert then add 1).



Final Answer:
010101₂

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