SIGNED INTEGER Meaning and
Definition
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A signed integer is a numerical data type that represents both positive and negative whole numbers in computer programming. It is a form of integer that includes a sign bit, which indicates the positive or negative value of the number.
In a signed integer, the most significant bit (MSB) is reserved as the sign bit. If the sign bit is set to 0, it represents a positive integer value. Conversely, if the sign bit is set to 1, it indicates that the integer value is negative. The remaining bits in the number represent the magnitude of the integer, often using the two's complement representation to allow for efficient arithmetic operations.
The range of values that can be stored in a signed integer depends on the number of bits allocated for its representation. For example, a signed integer using 8 bits can represent values from -128 to 127. With more bits allocated, the range of representable values increases accordingly.
Signed integers are commonly used in programming to handle situations that involve both positive and negative values, such as arithmetic calculations, record-keeping, and data storage. They allow for efficient storage and manipulation of integer values while maintaining the ability to distinguish between positive and negative numbers.
Overall, a signed integer is a data type that includes a sign bit to represent positive and negative whole numbers in computer programming, enabling the processing of a wide range of numerical values.
Common Misspellings for SIGNED INTEGER
- aigned integer
- zigned integer
- xigned integer
- digned integer
- eigned integer
- wigned integer
- sugned integer
- sjgned integer
- skgned integer
- sogned integer
- s9gned integer
- s8gned integer
- sifned integer
- sivned integer
- sibned integer
- sihned integer
- siyned integer
- sitned integer
- sigbed integer
- sigmed integer
Etymology of SIGNED INTEGER
The word "signed integer" can be broken down into two parts: "signed" and "integer".
The term "integer" comes from the Latin word "integer", meaning "whole" or "untouched". It was first used in medieval Latin to refer to "whole numbers" that are not fractions or decimals.
The term "signed" comes from the past participle of the verb "sign", which originated from the Latin word "signare", meaning "to mark" or "to designate". In mathematics, "signed" is used to describe a property where a number can be positive or negative, depending on the inclusion of a sign symbol (+/-) in front of it.
Therefore, when the terms "signed" and "integer" are combined, "signed integer" refers to a whole number that can be either positive or negative, differentiated by the presence or absence of a sign symbol.
