Question

A computer program uses 3 bits to represent integers. When the program adds the decimal (base 10) numbers 6 and 2, the result is 0. Which of the following is the best explanation for this result?

Answer 1

Answer:

The resultant integer (decimal number) exceeds 3 bits.

Explanation:

The computer program uses 3 bits of the 4 bits of the computer system, counting from the least significant bit.

The decimal number 6 and 2 are "0110" and "0010"respectively, represented by the computer system.

The computer program represents the 6 and 2 with 3 bits from the least significant bit (that is, it counts from the right). so 6 and 2 becomes 110 and 010 respectively.

= 6    +   2       = 8

= "110"  +  "010"    = "1000"

Adding 6 and 2 gives 8 represented as "1000" by the computer system, but the computer program represents as "000"