lesson

A carry still has place value

1 · Learn

Binary addition uses the same place-value idea as decimal addition, but a column carries when it reaches two rather than ten. Thus 1 + 1 gives binary 10, and 1 + 1 + 1 gives binary 11.

A fixed number of bits has a limited range. A result needing another bit may overflow that representation; do not silently discard the extra bit and claim the exact result is unchanged.

0+0=00+1=11+1=10Carry to next column
Key words and supplied examples.

2 · Worked example

0011 + 0101 = 1000, matching decimal 3 + 5 = 8. A four-bit unsigned value cannot represent decimal 16 without an extra bit.

3 · Your turn

Add 0110 and 0011 in binary. What decimal calculation checks it?

Check your answer

1001; 6 + 3 = 9.

4 · Apply your learning

Trace carries on paper, then test a sum that exceeds four bits and explain the representation limit.

Adult guidance and safety

Use an approved private programming or authoring environment and fictional data. Do not install unknown software or enter personal credentials for these exercises. Trace first, then run and test where a suitable tool is available; these text examples do not themselves provide an executable assessment environment.

Open your writing and drawing pad

Write, draw or show your working. Use a mouse, pen or finger. This pad is not a submitted answer.

Not saved to your account. Download your drawing as PNG and your typed notes as TXT before leaving or refreshing. They are separate files. Do not enter private information.

Open a picture saved on this device to draw on it again. Opening replaces the drawing, but Undo can restore it. PNG only, up to 4 MB and 4096 × 4096 pixels. The picture stays in this browser; it is not uploaded. Paper lines in a saved picture become part of that picture.

Drawing is unavailable. Use the typed working area below.

Your pad is empty.

Open a UTF-8 TXT file from this device, up to 40 KB and 10,000 characters. It stays in this browser. Opening can be undone until you type again. Downloads keep a new copy; they do not change the file you opened.

Typed notes are not submitted answers.

Check a calculation · Year 5 onward

Use this only when your teacher or adult allows a calculator for the task. Show your thinking first. It does not replace mental or written arithmetic and does not mark your lesson answer.

Powers, roots and trigonometry · Year 7 onward

Use only when the task allows a calculator. Choose one operation at a time and record your working. Trigonometry here always uses degrees (DEG), not radians. Inverse sine, cosine and tangent return an angle, not a reciprocal. Keep exact fractions and π in answers when requested.

Approximate numerical results use up to 12 significant digits. Inverse sine returns −90° to 90°, inverse cosine 0° to 180°, and inverse tangent −90° to 90°; these are principal values, not every possible solution of a trigonometric equation.

Practice this lesson

Lesson resources

Browse the available practice activities and worksheets for this lesson.

Open course resources

Your progress

Ready to continue?