Why do we use it hexadecimal?
Binary is very difficult for humans to read (especially larger numbers) but computers work in binary, so any usage where you need to be able to inspect and edit the binary directly (such as in machine code/ assembly language) then humans need to be able to read the binary easily and accurately. This is where hexadecimal comes in :
- Hexadecimal allows humans to interact with binary in a human readable form.
- Hexadecimal is compact and easy for humans to read
- Large numbers can be represented in a smaller number of digits, making them easier and more accurately read by humans.
- Hexadecimal can be easily converted to binary and vice verse.
How does hexadecimal work?
In the normal human counting system we use a base 10 number system, meaning that the each extra digit increases in powers of 10 each time:
Hexadecimal is a Base 16 number system, meaning that increases in powers of 16, with each digit being one of 16 different combinations.
The hexadecimal number consists of:
- 0 = 0
- 1 = 1
- 2 =2
- 3 = 3
- 4 = 4
- 5 = 5
- 6 = 6
- 7 =7
- 8 = 8
- 9 = 9
- A = 10
- B = 11
- C = 12
- D = 13
- E = 14
- F = 15
Why do we use a to f instead of 11 to 15?
We can’t use 11 to 15 because we wouldn’t know what number it represented. The Digits 13 could be 13 or it could be 19 (1 * 16 + 3), this is because denary numbers greater than 9 use 2 digits instead of one digit.
Hexadecimal in HTML & CSS
Hexadecimal is used to represent RGB colors in HTML and in CSS. The video below shows how it works.
Media Access Control Addresses
MAC addresses are unique identifier codes given to each piece of network enable hardware created. They are issued by the manufacturer of the hardware when the device is created and the first part of the MAC address indicates the manuafacturer.
MAC addresses consist of 6 pairs of hexadecimal digits, separated by a colon.
Example: dd:f2:c2:a1:2b:cd
Each pair can be one of 256 possible values (0-255) so the total number of possible MAC addresses are 256 to the power of 6 = 281,474,976,710,656 possible MAC addresses.
Why are MAC addresses displayed in HEX?
MAC addresses are displayed in hex a because the codes are too long for humans to be able to read accurately in binary.
The MAC address above in binary would be110111011111001011000010101000010010101111001101
This is incredibly difficult for a human to read/remember.
Assembly Language & Machine Code
Hexadecimal is used when humans are reading/editing machine code or assembly language. Computers can only interpret instructions written in binary, so all instructions need to be written in binary. Humans would find this incredibly slow and difficult to do so we display the hexadecimal equivalent to humans to read. This means that humans can edit machine code.
Source: Wikipedia
Error / Debugging Codes
When your computer crashes it often displays an error code in Hexadecimal. This hexadecimal code contains the hexadecimal representation of the memory address where the error occurred.
This allows engineers to quickly debug the code.
Notice the hexadecimal memory location where the error occurred?
FAQs
Achieving a top grade of 7 in IB Computer Science is significantly dependent on a deep understanding and skilled completion of the Internal Assessment (IA) component. The IA gives students a chance to demonstrate their capabilities in: Conducting thorough investigation and research.
Is ib cs hl easy? ›
In short, the perceived difficulty of IB Computer Science is a blend of your comfort level with abstract concepts, coding, and mathematical thinking. It's a challenging subject, but the skills you gain and the potential rewards make it worthwhile for many students.
Is hexadecimal easier than binary? ›
Hex is useful because large numbers can be represented using fewer digits. For example, colour values and MAC addresses are often represented in hex. Additionally, hex is easier to understand than binary. Programmers often use hex to represent binary values as they are simpler to write and check than when using binary.
How do you read hexadecimal easily? ›
The hexadecimal color system is easy to understand, once you know how it works. The first two digits are the red value, the next two are the green value, and the last two are the blue value. Here are some examples: #FFFFFF is white, while #000000 is black.
Is 90% a 7 in IB? ›
When it comes to A-Level, a UK qualification, 7 in IB is equivalent to an A*. This grade is based on the percentage of marks obtained in the final exams, with an A* requiring at least 90%.
What are the 5 hardest IB subjects? ›
The five hardest IB subjects—HL Mathematics, HL Physics, HL Chemistry, HL Economics, and HL English Literature—are challenging for various reasons, including complex content, high workload, and demanding assessments.
What is the hardest subject to get a 7 in IB? ›
Attaining top grades in History HL can be particularly arduous, with only 3.7% of students achieving a score of 7. With a low rate of top grades, students often benefit from the guidance of an IB History tutor to enhance understanding and essay skills.
Is IB much harder than AP? ›
Some students find AP more challenging due to the depth of content, while others might find IB more difficult because of its holistic approach. It's important to reflect on your own academic interests and learning style when making this decision.
What is the easiest subject to get a 7 in IB? ›
Based on insights gathered from a survey of 200 educators and expert opinions, here are the top 10 easiest IB subjects:
- IB Philosophy.
- IB Geography.
- IB Spanish B.
- IB French B.
- IB Psychology.
- IB Theatre (Arts)
- IB Spanish A Language and Literature.
- IB Business Management.
The reason hex is so popular in the world of computers is because it is so easy to convert back and forth between binary and hex. Hex is much more compact than binary and it makes it much more practical and less overwhelming to use.
Here are some advantages of using the hexadecimal system: It is very concise and by using a base of 16 means that the number of digits used to signify a given number is usually less than in binary or decimal. It allows you to store more information using less space.
What are the cons of hexadecimal? ›
One drawback of the hexadecimal system is that it can be difficult to perform complex mathematical operations like multiplication and division. Hex numbers are also difficult to read and write compared to decimal numbers.
Should I memorize hexadecimal? ›
Binary and Hex are both closely related, since one digit in hexadecimal represents 4 digits in binary. This is why they're so prevalent in programming and computer science. Don't worry too much if it takes you a while to pick up though, since you're essentially learning to count from scratch again.
How do you say hello in hexadecimal? ›
So, "hello" would be : 68 65 6c 6c 6f 32 in HEX.
Why can't computers understand hexadecimal? ›
The computer doesn't understand hexadecimal digits. Machine code isn't really made of hexadecimal digits. Machine code is a set of binary patterns. Humans might ask to see a hexadecimal representation of the machine code, but that's just a representation.
Is getting 7 in IB hard? ›
Conclusion: Since the IB curriculum is extensive and rigorous, achieving a 7 in IB Business is undoubtedly challenging. Also, the multifaceted nature of the course and the high standards set by the IB program make it overwhelming.
What is the hardest IB class to get a 7? ›
Attaining top grades in History HL can be particularly arduous, with only 3.7% of students achieving a score of 7. With a low rate of top grades, students often benefit from the guidance of an IB History tutor to enhance understanding and essay skills.
How rare is a 7 in IB? ›
1 in 5 students HL achieved a 7 in IB Physics exams
You might have a one in five chance of getting a 7 in IB Physics HL, but you have a one in five chance of getting a two, three, four and five and six as well. So while this is good news, there's other facts that you should take into account there too.
