binary arithmetic

Snakes and adders

How can an electronic device fed on a diet of 0s and 1s perform complex tasks? We explore the workings of computers using an example.

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George Boole and the wonderful world of 0s and 1s

The story of George Boole is an extraordinary example of collaboration across the centuries.

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Arithmetic, bones and counting
John Napier was a clever man indeed. Besides inventing the logarithm, he developed ingenious calculating devices that fully exploit the power of the positional system. In this article Chris Sangwin tells you how to make your own set of Napier's bones and perform mathemagic with an interactive checker board.
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