Converting between decimal (base 10) and octal (base 8) systems involves specific methods for each direction. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both processes:
### Converting Decimal to Octal
1. **Divide by 8**: Start with the decimal number you want to convert. Divide the number by 8.
2. **Record the Remainder**: Keep track of the remainder. This will be one of the digits in the octal number. If your division results in a negative number or zero, stop here.
3. **Repeat the Division**: Take the quotient (the result of the division) and repeat the process: divide the quotient by 8, recording the new remainder.
4. **Continue Until Zero**: Continue this process until the quotient is zero.
5. **Read the Octal Number**: The octal number is formed by reading the remainders in reverse order (from last to first).
**Example**:
Convert decimal 75 to octal.
- 75 ÷ 8 = 9 with a remainder of 3
- 9 ÷ 8 = 1 with a remainder of 1
- 1 ÷ 8 = 0 with a remainder of 1
Reading the remainders from last to first gives us **113** in octal.
### Converting Octal to Decimal
1. **Identify the Digits**: Write down the octal number, noting each digit’s place value. The rightmost digit is the least significant (8^0), the next is (8^1), and so forth.
2. **Multiply by Powers of 8**: Multiply each digit by 8 raised to the power of its position, starting from 0 on the right.
3. **Sum the Results**: Add all these products together to get the decimal equivalent.
**Example**:
Convert octal 113 to decimal.
- \(1 \times 8^2 = 1 \times 64 = 64\)
- \(1 \times 8^1 = 1 \times 8 = 8\)
- \(3 \times 8^0 = 3 \times 1 = 3\)
Now, sum them up:
64 + 8 + 3 = **75** in decimal.
### Summary of Steps
- **Decimal to Octal**: Divide by 8, record remainders, read them in reverse.
- **Octal to Decimal**: Multiply each digit by its corresponding power of 8, and sum the results.
With practice, these conversions become quicker and easier! If you have a specific number you'd like to convert, feel free to ask!