In signed binary representation (signed-magnitude form), the leading (most significant) bit indicates the sign, and the remaining bits represent the magnitude. Fill the blanks: the leading bit stands for the _____ and the remaining bits for the _____.

Introduction / Context:
Several schemes encode positive and negative integers in binary. One of the earliest and most intuitive is signed-magnitude representation. To answer correctly, you must recall what the most significant bit (MSB) denotes and how the rest of the bits encode the actual absolute value of the number.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The representation referred to is the signed binary numbers in signed-magnitude form.
• The MSB is singled out for a special role.
• All remaining lower-order bits form the magnitude field.

Concept / Approach:
In signed-magnitude, the MSB is 0 for positive and 1 for negative numbers. The remaining bits hold the magnitude as an unsigned binary value. For example, with 8 bits, +13 is 0 0001101 and −13 is 1 0001101. This differs from two’s complement, where the MSB is part of the weighted value and negative numbers are represented via bit inversion and addition of 1.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the encoding scheme: signed-magnitude.Assign MSB role: indicates the sign (0 = positive, 1 = negative).Assign remaining bits: represent the magnitude of the integer.Choose the pair “sign, magnitude.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider 5-bit signed-magnitude: +7 = 0 00111, −7 = 1 00111. The MSB changes sign while the magnitude bits remain identical, confirming the roles.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“sign, remainder” is vague and not the standard term. “value, sign” reverses the roles. “variable, value” is unrelated to binary encoding terminology. “None of the above” is wrong because “sign, magnitude” is precisely correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing signed-magnitude with two’s complement or one’s complement; forgetting that signed-magnitude has two zero representations (+0 and −0), which is one reason modern computers prefer two’s complement.

Final Answer:
sign, magnitude