Conversions and Positional/Non-positional number systems

To convert the binary number 110010101 to decimal, and the decimal number 529 to binary, you must set the binary number 110010101 as 9 spaces. Starting from the right you write under it 2^0, 2^1 and so on until you reach the last 1 on the left side and it will read 2^8 or 256. Whenever the number 1 appears you add the 2 to the power or whatever together and that is your answer. The binary number 110010101 to decimal is 405. You do the same thing for the decimal number 529, but this time you multiply 2^2 or 4 by 5 which is 20, then 2^1 which is 2 by 2 which is 4 and so on. The final addition binary number is 33.

A positional number system is for example taking the number 529 and assignment positions for each of the three numbers. The 5 would be the hundreds position, the 2 in the tens position, and the 9 in the ones position. A non-positional number system does not require each position to be positional itself.

Modeling the World Pt. 2 and 4 Unix Symbols

The four symbols I used today during the lab were: cd (change directory), cal ( calender), date (show the date and time), and exit (to log off). The only noticeable difference between DOS, Windows, and Unix is DOS uses all caps.

As a definition, “A model is used for any complete and consistent set of verbal arguments, mathematical equations or computational rules which are thought to correspond to some observable entity in the world” (Lecture Notes). The best way to represent a model is through its prototype or best example of something. The process of modeling includes somewhat a process of steps. First one must experience and observe what’s being modeled and then reflect on it. What is its purpose? Then you come up with a formula and hypothesize or suggest an estimated guess to the question. And finally you experiment. You test what you hypothesized and look deeper and analyze your information. Fibonacci was the first one to propose a model. He did this through his numbers. A sample of his work includes the basics: B-> A, and A-> BA. The numbers are used to formulize and model many different things. Another form of modeling includes the branching L-systems. This can be used to model branches for example by adding more and more curved lines or +[F’s]. These systems were proposed to study biological development. Moving on from the Fibonacci Model and the L-system, things are also recorded and stored as and by vectors. Vectors are used as a representation for the goods and services for personal use. I found the ant colony clean up to be pretty interesting. It is said in the notes that in order to build and run a successful colony for ants, they must pick up a found dead ant, and drop them where there are more dead ants. This and the ant-inspired robots eventually result in clustering. Just as we do as a population, we follow the pack and almost become influenced by others and there train of thoughts, almost to believe that one knows better than you.

Modeling the World

What is reality? It is something we can observe? A symbol is used to represent something or model an object or thing. A symbol is easily manipulated and created into something that is ubiquitous to all. For example, a sign of a kangaroo running and acting as if crossing the road, allows us to know that their could be kangaroo in the area and to be aware or that. Many have observed and explored symbols and how they relate more explicitly to the outside world. Those of who such as Lord Kelvin, Aristotle, Galileo, Hertz and more. They all worked to put the pieces together and theorize the knowledge. Physics was the first science to make precise formal theories of the world. Aristotle studied and observed factors that determine motion in signs. Bringing physics back in, he studied densities and the rate of motion. It was the first time that observable quantities had been expressed in symbolic or numerical form. Now the first form of calculations appears. Galileo studied primary information of such that can be mathematically measured. Things of measurement like sizing and shaping for example. Hertz defines a model as “Physical theory becomes about building relationships among observationally-derived symbols.” The process of modeling involves experiencing, reflecting, formulizing, and experimenting. Fibonacci and his Numbers introduced the first model. The equation or starting point is that B =A, and A= BA. With this pattern many different images and models can be produced. For example a plant or flower can exist with enough branching of A’s and B’s. Modeling is everywhere around us and can be tricky at times so be sure to be up to date with things.

The Nature of Information

Information is based upon the idea that it is a relation. All of it goes hand in hand. Transmitting information to others must be sent with the same kind of codes and base. A relation is based upon objects, signs, items, etc. Icons for example, I use every in my life just by the double click of my mouse or running and stopping by stop signs. To understand this, you must learn do the context and origin of signs. An agent is the driving force of informing about a whole variety of things in their particular contexts. Understanding semiotics is also another start to the big world of information and the infinite possibilities there are. Semiotics includes pragmatics, semantics, and syntax. According to Webster dictionary syntax is "the study of the rules for the formation of grammatical sentences in a language." In other words it is sentence forms and structure. Semantics are the meanings behind the sentences and what the sentence is telling us. Pragmatics is the analysis and the deeper meaning of the practical sentences. Claude Shannon explored information with electrical channels and how they pass on or transmits elsewhere. It soon became known as the information theory. The nature of information is so broad and so infinite I can't wait to see what is to come in the future. What could possibly be thought of next?