0478.1.1.18 — Use the two’s complement number system to • Convert a positive binary or denary integer to a: past paper questions
Real questions on 0478.1.1.18 — use the two’s complement number system to • convert a positive binary or denary integer to a
The newest 11 of 11 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1c(i)[1]
Tick (3) one box to show whether two’s complement is a base 2, base 8, base 10 or base 16 number system. A base 2 B base 8 C base 10
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1c(ii)[1]
Give the two’s complement 8-bit binary integer that would be stored for the temperature of 32 degrees Celsius.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1c(iii)[1]
Give the two’s complement 8-bit binary integer that would be stored for the temperature of –14 degrees Celsius.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1f[1]
The result of a calculation could be a negative denary number. State how the calculator could represent a negative denary number as a binary number.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[2]
If the owner of the shop wants to make the room very cold, she may need to enter a negative denary number. The negative denary number could be represented using two’s complement. Give the two’s complement 8-bit binary integer that would be stored for the temperature –5. Show all your working.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2025 · Q1g[2]
The negative denary number –22 is stored in RAM. Negative denary numbers can be represented as binary using two’s complement. Give the two’s complement 8-bit binary integer that would be stored for the denary number –22. You must show all your working.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · May/June 2025 · Q1d[2]
The two’s complement 8-bit binary integer 11001001 is also stored. Convert the two’s complement 8-bit binary integer to denary. Show all of your working.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2024 · Q1e[2]
Calculate the denary number for the two’s complement binary integer 10001110. Show all your working.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · May/June 2024 · Q3e[2]
The health value for a character in the computer game can sometimes be a negative value. The negative values are stored as two’s complement 8-bit integers. A character has a health value of –25. Calculate the two’s complement 8-bit integer for –25. Show all your working.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2024 · Q8b(i)[2]
Convert the two’s complement integer 10110111 into denary. Show all your working.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2023 · Q2d[2]
Convert the positive denary number 123 to 8-bit binary using two’s complement. Show all your working.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Some candidates were able to calculate the correct two’s complement binary integer. Some candidates gave the binary value for 22 instead of –22.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0478/12 Q1(g) (Cambridge)
Few candidates gave the correct value of –55. Most candidates were able to provide the correct working but then gave the final value as 55 instead of –55.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0478/13 Q1(d) (Cambridge)
Some candidates were able to show suitable working and the correct answer. Some candidates only demonstrated partial working. Candidates are reminded to include all the working they do in their response.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0478/13 Q2(d) (Cambridge)
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