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Which of the following best describes how computing devices represent information?

a) Binary code
b) Decimal code
c) Hexadecimal code
d) Octal code

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Computing devices represent information using binary code, which consists of sequences of bits (0s and 1s). This systematic binary encoding is integral to digital communication, making it the primary method for instruction representation in computers, cell phones, and other digital devices. Thus, the correct option is binary code.

Step-by-step explanation:

Computing devices primarily use binary code to represent information. Binary code refers to the system of representing text or computer processor instructions using the binary number system, which operates on two binary digits, typically 0 and 1. Each binary digit is known as a bit, and these bits are the most basic unit of data in computing and digital communications.

Why is binary used in computing? It's largely due to the fact that it's manageable for electronic circuits to switch state between 0 and 1 (off and on), which makes the binary system the most feasible choice for computers and other digital systems.

Text, images, and sounds can be encoded into binary and transmitted effectively over networks. For example, cellphone conversations, and television voice and video images are commonly transmitted as digital data by being converted into binary code. This encoding in binary allows for clearer data transmission when signals are weak and enables more efficient data compression and transmission within each frequency range.

To compare with other systems: Decimal code is based on ten digits from 0 to 9 and is the system commonly used by humans for counting and calculations. Hexadecimal code uses sixteen distinct symbols, 0-9 and A-F, and is often used in computing as a more human-friendly representation of binary-coded values. Octal code, on the other hand, is based on eight symbols (0-7) and has historically been used in computing, but it's less common than hexadecimal and binary.

Therefore, the correct option that best describes how computing devices represent information is a) Binary code.

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