QUESTION 6:
In the past, some computers used 16 bits to form memory addresses. Assuming no special tricks (which such limited machines often used), how many bytes maximum could be held in main storage?
Twice the number of patterns that can be formed from (N-1) bits.
The list for three bits has 8 lines (patterns). Two copies of it gives you 16 lines. Each line is made unique by prefixing the first half with "0" and the second half with "1".
Of course, the trick can be repeated as many times as you like. Adding one more bit doubles the number of patterns. The table shows the number of patterns for 1, 2, 3 and 4 bits.
| Number of Bits | Number of Patterns | Number of Patterns as power of two |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 21 |
| 2 | 4 | 22 |
| 3 | 8 | 23 |
| 4 | 16 | 24 |
How many patterns with 5 bits?
Make two copies of the 4-bit patterns
(16 patterns per copy).
Make the patterns unique by prefixing "0" to
the first 16 patterns and "1" to the second 16.
You now have
Number of possible patterns of N bits = 2N
Memorize this fact. Better yet, make lists of patterns (as above) and play around until you understand. Do this now. This is an essential fact. If you allow yourself to get muddled on it, you will waste much time in this and future courses.
How many patterns can be formed with 10 bits? Use the formula:
210 = 1024.
This number occurs often in computer science. 1024 bytes is called a kilobyte, abbreviated K and pronounced "Kay".
In the past, some computers used 16 bits to form memory addresses. Assuming no special tricks (which such limited machines often used), how many bytes maximum could be held in main storage?