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Computer Science

Adding binary numbers

There are just a few rules for adding binary numbers together

0 + 0 = 0

0 + 1 = 1

1 + 1 = 0 carry 1

1 + 1 + 1 = 1 carry 1

As we know from basic mathematics 1 + 0 is the same as 0 + 1. Similarly any combination of 1, 1 and 0 is still the same as 1 + 1.

Use the area below to generate a random binary addition problem.

Example

For our example let's add the binary numbers 10010011 and 00011010

The first step is to draw out a table and fill it in with the column headings for binary. Remember, the column headings in binary start at 1 on the right and double as you move left like below.

Carries 1 1 Decimal
Number_1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 147
Number_2 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 26
Answer 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 173

In an exam question it is essential to always clearly show your carries as if your working is clear and you make a small error you may gain part marks.

Binary addition practice

Carries
Number_1
Number_2
Answer

Generate a sum, do the addition and check your answer below



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