Binary addition
I can count in binary and I can perform addition in binary.
Binary addition
I can count in binary and I can perform addition in binary.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The process of counting in binary follows the same principle as decimal.
- Binary addition can be achieved with the following facts: 0+0 = 0, 0+1 = 1, 1+1 = 10 and 1+1+1 = 11.
Keywords
Addition - a mathematical operation where two or more numbers are combined to find their total
Carry - the extra value that moves to the next column when the sum of digits in a place value exceeds the base
Common misconception
Pupils will often default to decimal addition, in the fact that 1+1 = 2, whereas in binary 1+1 = 10.
Remind students that binary only has two digits; 0 and 1. Use the comparisons between binary and decimal addition in the slide deck to illustrate the differences.
To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: Binary addition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: Binary addition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Representation of numbers unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
0
1
10
11