Question

If each integer occupies one 64-bit memory cell and is stored using sign/magnitude notation, what are the largest (in terms of absolute value) positive and negative integers that can be stored?

Answer 1

Answer:

2^63 = 9 223 372 036 854 775 808

Explanation:

Of 64 bits, one is used to store the sign. The rest of 63 bits is used to store the absolute value. The maximum value of n-digit number of base b is b^n.

We are using bits which represent binary (base 2) digits. Base b = 2, digits/bits n = 63. The maximum number is 2^63.