The spelling of the word "coded decimal" is phonetically transcribed as /koʊdɪd ˈdɛsɪməl/. The word "coded" is pronounced as "koʊdəd" with a short "o" sound in the first syllable, followed by a long "i" sound in the second syllable. The word "decimal" is pronounced as "dɛsɪməl" with a stressed "e" sound in the first syllable and a short "i" sound in the second syllable. Overall, the phonetic transcription reflects the accurate pronunciation of this technical term.
Coded Decimal, also known as BCD (Binary Coded Decimal), refers to a method of representing decimal numbers in a binary format within a computer system. It is a way to encode decimal digits in binary form, where each decimal digit is represented by a specific group of binary bits.
In coded decimal, each decimal digit is represented by a four-bit binary code, ranging from 0000 to 1001. This allows decimal numbers 0 to 9 to be represented directly in binary form, making it easier to manipulate and process decimal data within a computer.
Coded decimal is often used in systems where precise decimal calculations are required, such as financial applications, because it allows for accurate storage and manipulation of decimal data. It is commonly used in older computer systems and embedded systems, where memory and computational power are limited.
Coded decimal can be converted into binary or vice versa using specific algorithms, such as the Double Dabble algorithm or the BCD to binary conversion algorithm.
One advantage of coded decimal is that it allows for easy display of decimal numbers on devices with seven-segment displays, as each decimal digit can be directly represented by the seven segments. This is often seen in digital calculators, digital clocks, and other consumer electronic devices. However, coded decimal requires more bits to represent a number compared to pure binary representation, which can be inefficient in terms of memory usage.
The word "coded decimal" is composed of two components: "coded" and "decimal".
1. Coded: The term "coded" refers to the process of representing information or data using a specific encoding system or scheme. In the context of "coded decimal", it signifies that the decimal numbers are represented or encoded in a specific way to store or transmit them efficiently.
2. Decimal: The word "decimal" refers to the base-10 number system, which is widely used for counting and computing. It is called "decimal" because it has ten digits (0-9) that are used to represent numbers.
Therefore, the term "coded decimal" describes a system or method of encoding decimal numbers into a specific format, typically used in computing or data storage.