The number -6 can be represented as 1010 in 4-bit 2's complement…

2025

The number -6 can be represented as 1010 in 4-bit 2's complement representation. Which of the following is/are CORRECT 2's complement representation(s) of -6?

  1. A.

    1000 1010 in 8-bits

  2. B.

    1111 1010 in 8-bits

  3. C.

    1000 0000 0000 1010 in 16-bits

  4. D.

    1111 1111 1111 1010 in 16-bits

Attempted by 19 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B, D

In 4-bit two's complement, -6 is represented as 1010. When a negative two's complement number is extended to more bits, sign extension is used: copy the sign bit 1 into all new higher-order positions. Therefore, the 8-bit representation is 1111 1010, so option B is correct. Similarly, the 16-bit representation is 1111 1111 1111 1010, so option D is correct. Options A and C do not correctly sign-extend the 4-bit representation.

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