1-33
You can see from the positional values that usually fewer symbol positions are required to express a
number in hex than in decimal. The following example shows this comparison:
62516 is equal to 157310
MSD and LSD
The most significant and least significant digits will be determined in the same manner as the other
number systems. The following examples show the MSD and LSD of whole, fractional, and mixed hex
numbers:
Addition of Hex Numbers
The addition of hex numbers may seem intimidating at first glance, but it is no different than
addition in any other number system. The same rules apply. Certain combinations of symbols produce a
carry while others do not. Some numerals combine to produce a sum represented by a letter. After a little
practice you will be as confident adding hex numbers as you are adding decimal numbers.
Study the hex addition table in table 1-6. Using the table, add 7 and 7. Locate the number 7 in both
columns X and Y. The point in area Z where these two columns intersect is the sum; in this case 7 + 7 =
E. As long as the sum of two numbers is 1510 or less, only one symbol is used for the sum. A carry will be
produced when the sum of two numbers is 1610 or greater, as in the following examples:
