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Which of the following statements about 32-bit binary values is NOT true?

1) They can represent a maximum value of 2³² - 1
2) They can represent both positive and negative numbers
3) They are commonly used in computer systems
4) They can store a maximum of 32 bits

User Aadil
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The statement that is NOT true about 32-bit binary values is that 'They can represent a maximum value of 2³² - 1' as this is actually a true statement. A 32-bit binary system can indeed represent both positive and negative numbers and are commonly used in computers, although modern systems are moving toward 64-bit architectures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements about 32-bit binary values, the one that is NOT true is that "They can represent a maximum value of 2³² - 1." This statement is actually true. A 32-bit binary number can represent 2³² different values, and since binary counting starts from 0, the maximum value it can represent is 2³² - 1.

It is also true that 32-bit systems can represent both positive and negative numbers. This is done using a scheme called two's complement. However, it does mean that the range of numbers is split between positive and negative, limiting the positive values to 2³± - 1, because one bit is used to represent the sign.

32-bit systems are indeed commonly used in computer systems, especially older systems or those requiring less processing power. This includes operating systems, CPUs, and applications designed for a 32-bit architecture. However, modern systems are transitioning to 64-bit architectures, which allow for a much larger number space and memory addressing capability.

The statement "They can store a maximum of 32 bits" is a tautology and thus, also true. By definition, a 32-bit binary value is comprised of 32 bits.

User Daniel Borowski
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