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102 LearnersLast updated on December 11, 2025

10000100 is already a binary number, but understanding how binary numbers work is essential. The binary system uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent numbers. This number system is used extensively in computer systems. In this topic, we are going to learn about binary numbers, focusing on 10000100.
The binary number 10000100 can be understood by considering it in terms of powers of 2.
Each digit in a binary number represents a power of 2, starting from 20 at the rightmost position.
To understand what 10000100 represents, we assign each digit its place value and calculate the total value.
This method helps us understand the binary number's equivalent in the decimal system.
In the table shown below, the first column shows the binary digits of 10000100.
The second column represents the place values of each digit, and the third column is the value calculation, where the binary digits are multiplied by their corresponding place values.
The results of the third column can be added to cross-check if 10000100 in binary is indeed its equivalent in the decimal number system.
Binary numbers can be written using various methods. Below are methods to understand how binary numbers are composed.
Expansion Method: Let us see the step-by-step process of understanding 10000100 using the expansion method.
Step 1 - Figure out the place values: In the binary system, each place value is a power of 2. Therefore, in the first step, we ascertain the powers of 2.
20 = 1
21 = 2
22 = 4
23 = 8
24 = 16
25 = 32
26 = 64
27 = 128
Step 2 - Apply the values: Starting from the leftmost digit of 10000100, we apply the place values. 1 in the 27 place = 128 0 in the 26 place = 0 0 in the 25 place = 0 0 in the 24 place = 0 0 in the 23 place = 0 1 in the 22 place = 4 0 in the 21 place = 0 0 in the 20 place = 0.
Step 3 - Add the values to get the decimal equivalent: 128 + 4 = 132 Therefore, 10000100 in binary is 132 in decimal.


There are certain rules to follow when interpreting binary numbers. Some of them are mentioned below:
Rule 1: Place Value Method This is a commonly used rule to understand any binary number. The place value method involves identifying the powers of 2 that correspond to each binary digit. Identify the powers of 2 for each binary digit in 10000100. Assign each binary digit (either 0 or 1) its corresponding power of 2. Add the results to obtain the decimal equivalent.
Rule 2: Binary Representation Binary representation involves expressing numbers in terms of 0s and 1s based on powers of 2. Identify the powers of 2 and write them in decreasing order. For each 1 in the binary number, add the corresponding power of 2. Combine the results to get the decimal equivalent.
Rule 3: Limitation Rule The limitation of the binary system is that it only uses 0s and 1s to represent numbers. The system doesn’t use any other digits beyond 0 and 1. This is a base 2 number system, where the binary places represent powers of 2.
Here are some tips and tricks for understanding binary numbers:
Memorize powers of 2: Knowing powers of 2 up to a certain point can help quickly interpret binary numbers.
Recognize patterns: Binary numbers can exhibit patterns, especially when consecutive.
Cross-verify the answers: Once the binary interpretation is done, always cross-verify by converting back to the decimal form to ensure accuracy.
Practice with a table: Create a table with decimal numbers and their binary equivalents to reinforce understanding.
Here, let us take a look at some of the most commonly made mistakes while interpreting binary numbers.
What is the decimal equivalent of 10000100 using the place value method?
132
Each binary digit represents a power of 2.
10000100 translates to: 1 in the 27 place = 128, 0 in the 26 place = 0, 0 in the 25 place = 0, 0 in the 24 place = 0, 0 in the 23 place = 0, 1 in the 22 place = 4, 0 in the 21 place = 0, 0 in the 20 place = 0, Adding them gives: 128 + 4 = 132.
How can you verify the binary number 10000100 using the binary representation method?
132
To verify using binary representation: Identify powers of 2 in decreasing order: 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 23, 22, 20.
Apply binary digits: 1 at 27, 0 at 26, 0 at 25, 0 at 24, 0 at 23, 1 at 22, 0 at 21, 0 at 20.
Add the values: 128 (27) + 4 (22) = 132.
Convert the binary number 10000100 to hexadecimal.
84
To convert 10000100 to hexadecimal: Split the binary into groups of four from the right: 1000 0100.
Convert each group to decimal: 1000 = 8, 0100 = 4.
Combine the hexadecimal digits: 84.
Express 10000100 in binary, decimal, and octal form.
Binary: 10000100
Decimal: 132
Octal: 204
Binary is already given as 10000100.
Decimal calculated as 132.
For octal, convert decimal 132: 132 / 8 = 16 remainder 4, 16 / 8 = 2 remainder 0, 2 / 8 = 0 remainder 2, Reading remainders bottom to top gives octal 204.
Express the result of 84 - 52 in binary.
100010
84 - 52 = 32 To convert 32 to binary: 32 / 2 = 16 remainder 0, 16 / 2 = 8 remainder 0, 8 / 2 = 4 remainder 0, 4 / 2 = 2 remainder 0, 2 / 2 = 1 remainder 0, 1 / 2 = 0 remainder 1.
Writing remainders bottom to top gives 100000.

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.






