Recent comments in /f/explainlikeimfive

lurk876 t1_j9v9liu wrote

Reply to comment by ScienceIsSexy420 in ELI5: Why do we only use 1 and 0 for binary? Could we create a trinary system introducing an extra '2'? by No-Mammoth-1638

> Another common numal system for computers is the hexadecimal system, in which each digit can hold 16 values. It is useful for computers because one byte is also 16 digits (this part may be wrong, it's been a while since I've taken a computer class).

Hex is just a more human readable version of 4 bits (4 different 0/1 values). A byte is 8 bits which have 256 possible values

3

metaphorm t1_j9v9gc5 wrote

Reply to ELI5: Why do we only use 1 and 0 for binary? Could we create a trinary system introducing an extra '2'? by No-Mammoth-1638

Binary systems can perform all of the same computations as ternary systems. A ternary system has additional downsides (complexity) compared to a binary system and the additional upsides (certain computations, if implemented in a way that takes advantage of ternary logic, can be faster than the equivalent on a binary system) aren't a big enough upside to be worth the downside.

1

lotsofmaybes t1_j9v9ai5 wrote

Reply to eli5: can someone explain the difference between affect and effect by [deleted]

" Affect means to produce a change or influence something, as in 'The weather affects my mood.' It can also refer to someone's emotional state, as in 'She was deeply affected by the news.'

Effect, on the other hand, refers to the result or outcome of an action or event, as in 'The effect of the medicine was immediate.' It can also be used to describe a particular impression or atmosphere, as in 'The movie had a spooky effect.' "

4

nsjr t1_j9v8zhi wrote

Reply to ELI5: Why do we only use 1 and 0 for binary? Could we create a trinary system introducing an extra '2'? by No-Mammoth-1638

There were attempts to make decimal computers using voltage from 1~10v for example.

The problem happens on fluctuations, electricity being lost through wires, problems with energy escaping... And this can cause big problems of a 10 of the CPU becoming an 8 until reaches the GPU. If your part receives a 9.3v, it's a 9 that gained voltage along the current, or it's a 10 that lost it? Or an 8 that gained much more?

Binary is easy because "if there are ANY energy here, it's an 1. Otherwise, 0."

Far more reliable, electromagnetic interferes very little, error detection and correction are far more easy.

1

bendvis t1_j9v8w3x wrote

Reply to comment by A_Garbage_Truck in ELI5: Why do we only use 1 and 0 for binary? Could we create a trinary system introducing an extra '2'? by No-Mammoth-1638

Modern SSDs with Multi-Level Cells (MLCs) actually do use multiple voltage levels to store multiple bits of data in a single memory cell. Triple-Level Cells can store 3 bits per cell. QLC's can store 4 bits. They end up just converting that back to binary for transmission though.

https://www.purestorage.com/knowledge/what-is-mlc.html

2

explainlikeimfive-ModTeam t1_j9v8qqt wrote

Reply to ELI5: Why do people get treated way worse for killing a police officer in say, a car crash than if they killed a random stranger? by Impressive_Pound1363

Please read this entire message

Your submission has been removed for the following reason(s):

  • Rule #2 - Questions must seek objective explanations

  • Subjective or speculative replies are not allowed on ELI5. Only objective explanations are permitted here; your question is asking for speculation or subjective responses (Rule 2).

If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the detailed rules first. If you believe this submission was removed erroneously, please use this form and we will review your submission.

1

ComesInAnOldBox t1_j9v8gm4 wrote

Reply to ELI5: Why do we only use 1 and 0 for binary? Could we create a trinary system introducing an extra '2'? by No-Mammoth-1638

It isn't actually 1 and 0. The 1 and 0 refer to whether or not a switch is open or closed, and therefore a circuit powered or unpowered. The symbols for closed and open circuits are | and O, the same as you've likely seen on your power switches. 1 and 0 just became the standard for typing.

0

damNSon189 t1_j9v7yya wrote

Reply to ELI5: Why do we only use 1 and 0 for binary? Could we create a trinary system introducing an extra '2'? by No-Mammoth-1638

Because by definition binary means only two characters can be used. But yes there is a trinary system in which you can use 3 characters. And 4, and basically any number. Whether they are used or not depends on how useful they are. Binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal are examples of them. What’s the usefulness of binary? That it’s the simplest in terms of how many symbols it requires: only two.

1

explainlikeimfive-ModTeam t1_j9v7llp wrote

Reply to [ELI5] What would be the impact on the economy if the 0.01% gave away their wealth to the masses overnight? by [deleted]

Please read this entire message

Your submission has been removed for the following reason(s):

  • Rule #2 - Questions must seek objective explanations

  • Hypotheticals questions, or questions about hypothetical situations, are not allowed on ELI5 (Rule 2).

If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the detailed rules first. If you believe this submission was removed erroneously, please use this form and we will review your submission.

1