Which of the following could be a natural interpretation of an 8-bit value…
2022
Which of the following could be a natural interpretation of an 8-bit value such as 10001011?
(i) 139
(ii) -117
- A.
Only (i)
- B.
Only (ii)
- C.
Both (i) and (ii)
- D.
Neither (i) nor (ii)
Attempted by 166 students.
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Correct answer: C
The bit pattern 10001011 can be interpreted in more than one natural way.
Unsigned interpretation:
10001011₂ = 128 + 8 + 2 + 1 = 139. So statement (i) is valid.
8-bit signed two’s-complement interpretation:
Since the MSB is 1, the value is negative. Its value is 139 - 256 = -117. So statement (ii) is also valid.
Therefore, both (i) and (ii) are valid interpretations. Hence, Option C is correct.