With binary we need a method of representing numbers. The simplest way to do this (though not the best) is to use the and magnitude method. In sign and magnitude binary, a number is expressed using a combination of a and a (the absolute value of the number). They combine together to make the full signed number. The sign bit indicates positive (0) or negative (1) and the rest of the number is just a binary number. In the example above the number -25 is represented by the sign bit (1) and the absolute value (11001).
Sign and Magnitude has two key . Issue 1: Two Representations of Zero. In sign and magnitude representation, there are two representations of zero - one positive (all bits set to 0) and one negative (sign bit set to 1, all other bits set to 0). This can cause and lead to errors in calculations and comparisons. For example 0000 = 0 ; 1000 = 0.
Issue 2: Difficulty in Performing Operations. Performing arithmetic operations, such as addition and subtraction, on sign and magnitude numbers can be complex. Additional logic is required to handle the signs, which makes the operations more difficult and to implement using digital circuitry.
Keywords
sign | magnitude | issues | negative | arithmetic | sign bit | confusion | normal | processor intensive |
