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I am a bit confused about the range of values for signed binary system. If I have $3$ bit to represent a number system, then number range will be given by $-2^{n-1}$ to $2^{n-1}-1$, that is $-4$ to $+3$. Each number is listed below (using 2's complement) :

$3$ : $011$

$2$ : $010$

$1$ : $001$

$0$ : $000$

$-1$ : $111$

$-2$ : $110$

$-3$ : $101$

Here I have enlisted seven numbers. But I have a range from $-4$ to $+3$.

Where and how I can obtain $-4$. It requires four binary digit to obtain $-4$, that is $-4$ : $1100$.

My question is how I can fulfill the range condition by having $-4$ in my three binary digit list ?

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1 Answer

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It's quite simple: the only value you have left is 100 and it corresponds to -4.

You can check that the operations produce the results you want: e.g. -4 + 3 = 100 + 011 = 111 = -1.

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