
Computer representation of numbers
Computer representation of numbers involves encoding values using binary digits (bits), which are 0s and 1s. These bits combine to form different number types, such as integers and floating-point numbers, according to standardized formats like IEEE 754. For integers, bits directly represent value, while for floating-point numbers, bits encode a value's magnitude, exponent, and sign, allowing computers to handle very large or very small numbers efficiently. This binary system is fundamental to how computers process, store, and perform calculations on numerical data.