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GCSEComputer ScienceAQARevision Notes3. Fundamentals of Data RepresentationNumber BasesBit Patterns

Bit Patterns (AQA GCSE Computer Science): Revision Note

Exam code: 8525

James Woodhouse

Written by: James Woodhouse

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Updated on

Bit Patterns

What is a bit pattern?

  • A bit pattern is a collection of binary numbers

  • Everything in a computer has to be stored as a series of 1s and 0s

  • The way the computer interprets the numbers determines the outcome

  • Examples of this include

    • Representing ASCII characters

    • A hexadecimal value

    • An image

Examples

Binary Value

Process

Output

01000001

ASCII Character Set

A

01000001

Hexadecimal Conversion

4 1

01000001

B&W image using 1 bit per pixel

8 pixels

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Author
Reviewer
James Woodhouse

Author: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science & English Subject Lead

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.

Lucy Kirkham

Reviewer: Lucy Kirkham

Expertise: Head of Content Creation

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.