Overview

In this tutorial, we will learn the Division method to convert a decimal number to a binary equivalent. The decimal number is base 10 and the binary number is base 2.

Division Method

In this method, we divide the decimal number by 2 and note down the quotient and the remainder. We will divide the quotient by 2, and we continue the division process until the quotient becomes zero.

The first remainder becomes the least significant digit of the binary equivalent. When we note down the division from top to bottom, the binary number would be from the bottom to up.

Example

Let’s take an example, to understand the concept. Convert decimal number 37 to its binary equivalent.

37/2    quotient = 18 , remainder = 1

Divide the given decimal number by 2. Note down the quotient and the remainder.

18/2    quotient = 9 , remainder = 0

Take the quotient and divide by 2. Note down the quotient and the remainder.

9/2    quotient = 4 , remainder = 1

Repeat the process until the quotient is zero.

4/2    quotient = 2 , remainder = 0

2/2    quotient = 1 , remainder = 0

1/2    quotient = 0 , remainder = 1

Halt the division process when the quotient is zero.

 

To get the binary number write the remainder from the bottom to upwards. We will get the binary equivalent of the given decimal number.

The binary equivalent of the given decimal number 37 is

= 100101