Understanding Number Systems Without Memorising

Most students try to memorise conversion tables. There is an easier way. Think in place values. In decimal each column is ten times the one to its right. In binary each column is two times the one to its right, and in hexadecimal it is sixteen. Once you write the column headings down, every conversion becomes simple addition. Practise with small numbers first. Convert every number between 0 and 20 into binary until it feels automatic. The Grade 9 number systems worksheet on this site has a full set of practice questions with answers.