How Many Basic Binary Subtraction Operations are Possible

Introduction

The count of basic binary subtraction operations is four. The binary subtraction operations, as the name suggests, are used in the Binary number System only. As such, the familiar decimal number system uses the ten digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. But the binary system, actually, uses only two digits 0 and 1. It follows that the basic binary subtraction operations are very different from the basic subtraction operations that are common in the decimal system.

We will get to know the importance of basic binary subtraction operations and its vast application. Let's explore it further by diving in.

What is Known as The Binary Number System?

As the word “binary” implies the number “two”, it is apparent that the numbering system which employs 2 as its base is known as the Binary Number System.

The Concept of The Basic Binary Subtraction Operations

The concept of the Binary Number System can be summarized as follows

• The digit 0 denotes no voltage or no current in the positive logic.

• The digit 1 indicates the presence of voltage or the passage of current in the positive logic.

• The electronic switches exhibit only two states, namely ON and OFF. Accordingly, the machine code which the computers recognize is also built on two states logic. The states were denoted as 0 and 1.

Like any other number system, the basic binary operations include subtraction, but it employs its own concept in the binary scenario.

Thus, the basic binary subtraction operations use the following concept.

• The subtraction of 0 from 0 results in 0.

• If we subtract 1 from 1, we get 0.

• When 0 is subtracted from 1, the result becomes 1.

• On subtracting 1 from 0 yields 1 with the borrowing of 1.

It is clear that the first three rules of the basic binary subtraction operations as described above are the same as we do in the decimal number system. The only difference is the fourth case where we have the concept of borrowing one.

The above rules for the basic binary subtraction operations hold good for 1 bit numbers up to n-bit numbers, where n is any positive integer.

The Different Uses of Binary Number System

Some of the different applications of the basic binary subtraction operations are as follows.

• It is implemented in computer circuits to perform the mathematical instructions.

• It is used for the execution of programs in digital circuits.

• Also, the basic binary subtraction operations find applications in the digital monitoring and management of energy and power systems.

Conclusion

• The base of the Binary Number System is 2 while the decimal number system has 10 as its base.

• Any subtraction operation in the decimal number system can be converted to its corresponding operation in the Binary Number System and vice versa.

• Without the Binary Number System and its associated basic binary subtraction operations, the machine code is not possible. It is obvious that the digital world is based upon the Binary Number System.

• Each piece of information in the Binary Number System has two bits 0 and 1.

• 1 byte of information is equivalent to eight bits.

• The basic binary subtraction operations are valid for binary numbers having any number of bits.

• The same four basic binary subtraction operations are also valid for binary numbers with decimal fractional parts.