Given the following binary number in 32-bit (single precision) IEEE-754 format…

2017

Given the following binary number in 32-bit (single precision) IEEE-754 format :


 00111110011011010000000000000000


The decimal value closest to this floating-point number is :

  1. A.

    1.45 X 101

  2. B.

    1.45 X 10-1

  3. C.

    2.27 X 10-1

  4. D.

    2.27 X 101

Attempted by 145 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Key steps: convert the sign, exponent, and mantissa and compute the value.

  • Sign bit: 0 → positive.

  • Exponent bits: 01111100 (binary) = 124 (decimal). Exponent E = 124 − 127 = −3.

  • Mantissa bits: 11011010000000000000000 → fraction = 0.8515625, so significand = 1.8515625.

  • Value = (+)1.8515625 × 2^−3 = 1.8515625 / 8 = 0.2314453125 ≈ 2.31 × 10^−1.

Conclusion: The converted value is about 0.23145, so the given choices, the closest is 2.27 X 10 -1 (≈ 0.227).

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