Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the binary number system?

Study for the FAA-H-8083-30B AMT General Handbook – Mathematics in Aviation Maintenance Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The binary number system is characterized by its use of only two distinct values, typically represented as 0 and 1. This simplicity is one of its principal advantages, especially in electronic systems where these two states can be easily represented by low and high voltage levels.

Selecting the option related to an infinite range of values as not being a characteristic of the binary system is appropriate because binary represents values in a discrete manner, using combinations of its two digits. Each additional digit in a binary number doubles the range of values that can be represented, but it is not infinite in itself; rather, it is limited by the number of digits used. For example, with n binary digits, you can represent values from 0 up to 2^n - 1. Thus, while binary can represent a large number of values as you increase the number of digits, it does not have an infinite range unless you assume an infinite number of digits—which is not a practical aspect of the system.

The binary system's easy conversion to decimal, its two possible values, and its simplicity in electronic circuit design are all inherent characteristics that reinforce its usage in digital electronic systems. The ability to convert binary to decimal is straightforward due to its base-2 nature, making it accessible for

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