Question

Which of the following is NOT a valid representation of bits?

• A. 8-bit
• B. 16-bit
• C. 24-bit
• D. 32-bit

Hint:

Remember standard byte multiples: 1 Byte = 8 bits, 2 Bytes = 16 bits, 4 Bytes = 32 bits, 8 Bytes = 64 bits.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Standard computer system architectures and digital representations are conventionally based on integer powers of 2 (such as \(2^3 = 8\), \(2^4 = 16\), \(2^5 = 32\), \(2^6 = 64\) bits).
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Word size} = 2^k \text{ bits} \quad (k \in \mathbb{Z}^+) \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Standard microprocessor architecture word lengths and register structures progress as powers of 2:
- 8-bit (1 byte)
- 16-bit (2 bytes, 1 word)
- 32-bit (4 bytes, double word)
- 64-bit (8 bytes, quad word)
24-bit is not a standard computer architecture word representation in general-purpose computing systems.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, 24-bit is NOT a standard general bit representation, corresponding to option (C).