Why is 2's complement preferred over 1's complement for signed integer…
2025
Why is 2's complement preferred over 1's complement for signed integer representation?
- A.
It has two representations for zero.
- B.
It requires fewer transistors.
- C.
It simplifies logical shift operations.
- D.
It avoids the end-around carry problem.
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Correct answer: D
In signed integer representation, 2's complement is preferred over 1's complement because it eliminates the end-around carry problem that occurs in 1's complement arithmetic.
In 1's complement:
Negative numbers are formed by inverting all bits.
Addition may produce an extra carry bit that must be added back to the result (end-around carry).
In 2's complement:
Negative numbers are formed by taking the 1's complement and adding 1.
Arithmetic operations become simpler and no extra carry handling is required.
Additionally, 2's complement has only one representation for zero, making computations more efficient.