Last updated on August 17th, 2025
10100 in binary is a representation of a number using only two digits, 0 and 1, as the binary system is a base-2 numeral system. This system is fundamental in computer systems. In this topic, we are going to learn about converting numbers like 10100 in binary systems.
The process of converting the decimal equivalent of 10100 to binary involves understanding how binary numbers are structured. The binary number 10100 is directly given, but if we were converting from decimal to binary, it would involve dividing the decimal number by 2, noting the remainder, and continuing the process until the quotient becomes 0.
The remainders are then read in reverse order to get the binary equivalent. Here, we explore the structure and meaning of 10100 in binary, which equates to the decimal number 20.
In the table below, the first column shows the binary digits (1 and 0) for 10100. The second column represents the place values of each binary digit, and the third column shows the calculation of values, where each binary digit is multiplied by its corresponding power of 2.
The sum of the results in the third column should confirm that 10100 in binary equals 20 in the decimal system.
To understand the binary number 10100, we can break it down using the following methods:
Expansion Method: Let us see the step-by-step process of interpreting 10100 using the expansion method.
Step 1 - Identify place values: In the binary system, each place value is a power of 2.
20 = 1
21 = 2
22 = 4
23 = 8
24 = 16
Step 2 - Assign binary digits to place values: The binary number 10100 can be broken down as follows: 1 in the 24 place (16) 0 in the 23 place (8) 1 in the 22 place (4) 0 in the 21 place (2) 0 in the 20 place (1)
Step 3 - Calculate the sum: The decimal equivalent is calculated by summing the values where the binary digit is 1. 16 (from 24) + 4 (from 22) = 20
Therefore, the binary number 10100 is 20 in decimal.
There are rules to consider when converting numbers to binary or understanding binary numbers like 10100:
Rule 1: Binary Representation
Binary numbers are composed of 0s and 1s, representing powers of 2.
Rule 2: Place Values
Each position in a binary number represents a power of 2, starting from 20 on the right.
Rule 3: Expansion Method
Use the expansion method to calculate the decimal equivalent by assigning binary digits to powers of 2 and summing the results.
Rule 4: Binary Limitations
The binary system uses only 0s and 1s, which is different from the decimal system that uses digits from 0 to 9. This system underpins computer data processing.
Here are some tips and tricks to understand binary numbers effectively:
Here, let us take a look at some common mistakes when dealing with binary numbers like 10100.
Interpret the binary number 10100 using the expansion method.
20
Assign the binary digits of 10100 to powers of 2:
1 in the 24 place = 16
0 in the 23 place = 0
1 in the 22 place = 4
0 in the 21 place = 0
0 in the 20 place = 0
Summing these gives 16 + 4 = 20.
Confirm the binary number 10100 equals 20 in decimal using place value.
20
Using place value: 10100 in binary is calculated as:
1×24 + 0×23 + 1×22 + 0×21 + 0×20 = 16 + 0 + 4 + 0 + 0 = 20.
Express 10100 in binary as a decimal and hexadecimal number.
Decimal - 20 Hexadecimal - 14
10100 in binary equals 20 in decimal as calculated by 1×16 + 0×8 + 1×4 + 0×2 + 0×1 = 20.
In hexadecimal (base 16), 20 is represented as 14.
Using the binary number 10100, demonstrate the even and odd rule.
Even
The binary number 10100 ends in 0, which indicates it is even.
This aligns with the decimal number 20, which is also even.
If you subtract 4 from the binary number 10100, what is the result in binary?
10000
10100 in binary is 20 in decimal.
Subtract 4 to get 16
The binary representation of 16 is 10000.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.