The smallest integer that can be represented by an 8-bit number in 2’s…

2013

The smallest integer that can be represented by an 8-bit number in 2’s complement form is

  1. A.

    -256

  2. B.

    -128

  3. C.

    -127

  4. D.

    0

Attempted by 934 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Key idea: for an n-bit two's complement number the representable range is -2^(n-1) to 2^(n-1)-1.

  • Set n = 8: the smallest value is -2^7 = -128.

  • The largest value is 2^7 - 1 = 127 (for context).

Therefore the smallest integer representable by an 8-bit two's complement number is -128.

A video solution is available for this question — log in and enroll to watch it.

Explore the full course: Gate Guidance By Sanchit Sir