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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 514 exam-style questions, each with its mark scheme and example answers. Print it, or answer it on paper and then open the mark schemes. Or browse the questions by topic.

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3 questions · 6 marks

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1Convert2 marksDenary to Binary Conversion Swap Remove

Computer systems manipulate bit patterns.

Convert the denary number 140 to 8-bit binary.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

  • 1000 (1)
  • 1100 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1000 1100

Why: 140 = 128 + 8 + 4: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1000 1101

Why: Converts 141 instead (a slip in adding up the place values). The first nibble is correct (1); the second is not.

No marks0/2

0011 0001

Why: The bits are written in reverse, smallest place value first. Neither nibble is correct.

2Convert2 marksDenary to Negative Binary Conversion Swap Remove

Binary patterns can represent numbers.

Convert the 8-bit binary two's complement pattern 1111 1001 to denary.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each of:

  • − (negative sign) (1)
  • 7 (1)

The correct answer is −7

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

−7

Why: The left-hand bit is worth −128: −128 + 121 = -7. Sign (1) and value (1).

Some marks1/2

7

Why: The value is right (1) but the minus sign is missing.

No marks0/2

249

Why: Reads it as an unsigned number, so neither the sign nor the value is right.

3Convert2 marksDenary to Negative Binary Conversion Swap Remove

Binary, denary and hexadecimal patterns represent numbers.

Convert the denary number -46 to 8-bit binary using two's complement.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

  • 1101 (1)
  • 0010 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1101 0010

Why: 46 is 00101110; flip the bits (11010001) and add 1: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1101 0001

Why: Flips the bits of 46 but doesn't add 1. The first nibble is correct (1); the second is not.

No marks0/2

1010 1110

Why: Uses sign and magnitude (a 1 in front of 46) instead of two's complement. Neither nibble is correct.

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