How many different unique codes can be generated using 5-bits?

Appeared in: AIIMS Nagpur NO- 2020

Explanation

The number of unique codes possible with 'n' bits is calculated using the formula 2ⁿ.
Each bit can represent two distinct states (0 or 1), forming the base of the exponential calculation.
For 5 bits (n=5), the calculation is 2⁵, which equals 32.

Option A: This value represents the number of combinations for 6 bits, not 5.
Option C: This value represents the number of combinations for 3 bits.
Option D: This value represents the number of combinations for 4 bits.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Calculation of unique combinations in a binary system as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Digital systems in healthcare, such as electronic health records (EHRs), medical imaging devices, and patient monitors, all rely on binary code to store and process vast amounts of data.
A basic understanding of bits and bytes is fundamental to the field of health informatics, which plays an increasingly important role in modern nursing practice for data management and technology integration.
What if the question asked for the number of codes in 1 byte? A byte consists of 8 bits, so the calculation would be 2⁸ = 256. This number is a cornerstone in computer science and data representation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it's asking for the total number of unique combinations possible with a specific number of bits.
Recall the fundamental formula for binary combinations: Number of combinations = 2ⁿ, where 'n' is the number of bits.
Substitute the value given in the question into the formula. In this case, n = 5.
Perform the calculation: 2⁵ = 32.
Finally, compare your calculated result with the given options to find the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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