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How to convert a number to a different numeral system in Python

How to convert a number to a different numeral system in Python.

Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to convert a number to a different numeral system in Python.

Step 1: Understand the Numeral Systems​

Before we start, it's important to understand the different numeral systems available. The most common ones are:

  • Decimal (base 10): This is the system we use in our daily lives, with digits from 0 to 9.
  • Binary (base 2): This system uses only two digits, 0 and 1.
  • Octal (base 8): This system uses digits from 0 to 7.
  • Hexadecimal (base 16): This system uses digits from 0 to 9 and letters A to F to represent values from 10 to 15.

Step 2: Choose the Desired Numeral System​

Determine which numeral system you want to convert your number to. For example, if you want to convert to binary, octal, or hexadecimal.

Step 3: Use the Built-in Functions​

Python provides built-in functions to convert numbers to different numeral systems. These functions are:

  • bin(): Converts a number to binary.
  • oct(): Converts a number to octal.
  • hex(): Converts a number to hexadecimal.

Let's see some examples using these functions:

Example 1: Converting to Binary​

number = 10
binary = bin(number)
print(binary)  # Output: 0b1010

In this example, we convert the number 10 to binary using the bin() function. The output is in the form of 0b followed by the binary representation.

Example 2: Converting to Octal​

number = 10
octal = oct(number)
print(octal)  # Output: 0o12

Here, we convert the number 10 to octal using the oct() function. The output is in the form of 0o followed by the octal representation.

Example 3: Converting to Hexadecimal​

number = 10
hexadecimal = hex(number)
print(hexadecimal)  # Output: 0xa

In this example, we convert the number 10 to hexadecimal using the hex() function. The output is in the form of 0x followed by the hexadecimal representation.

Step 4: Convert Using Custom Logic (Optional)​

If you want to convert to a numeral system that doesn't have a built-in function, you can use custom logic. Here's an example of converting a decimal number to a base 3 numeral system:

def convert_to_base_3(number):
    result = ""
    while number > 0:
        remainder = number % 3
        result = str(remainder) + result
        number = number // 3
    return result

number = 10
base_3 = convert_to_base_3(number)
print(base_3)  # Output: 101

In this example, we define a custom function convert_to_base_3() that converts a decimal number to a base 3 numeral system. The function uses a while loop to repeatedly divide the number by 3 and store the remainders until the number becomes 0. The resulting remainders are concatenated to form the base 3 representation.

That's it! You now know how to convert a number to a different numeral system in Python. Whether you use the built-in functions or implement custom logic, you have the tools to handle any conversion you need.