Two's complement representation
What Two's complement representation means in Computer Science GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of Two's complement representation
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Two's complement representation in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
A signed 8-bit pattern in which the leftmost bit has place value -128 and the other bits keep 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2 and 1.
Topics that use Two's complement representation
- Binary (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Arithmetic right shift
- Base 16 place value
- Logical right shift
- Range and overflow
- Binary addition with carry
- Binary representation of data
- Carry out of the most significant bit
- Compact representation of binary
Using Two's complement representation in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Computer Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge