Bits

Pictures can be transmitted on fiber optic cables by converting each dot of color into a packet of 0's and 1's. If you use n bits to represent a color, the number of different colors (c) that can be represented is given by this relationship:

c = 2n

Subject: Algebra
Topics: General
Grades: 6 - 12
Concepts:
- Exponent
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can translate a mathematical relationship described in words into an expression, equation or inequality

Download Teacher Guide: Bits (PDF)
Download Student Activity: Bits (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movie:

What is Digital?What is Digital?

The information revolution is based on one idea: that all information -- numbers, text, sound, pictures, and videos -- can be translated into a string of 1's and 0's. Of course, in some cases, it takes a LOT of 1's and 0's.
Running time 3:42 minutes.

Watch the Movie