A binary number’s negative counterpart is represented using the two’s complement system, a mathematical operation on binary numbers. This system is crucial in digital circuits and computer systems for performing subtraction and representing signed numbers. For instance, the eight-bit two’s complement representation of -5 is 11111011. This representation allows circuits to perform addition and subtraction using the same hardware, simplifying their design.
This method simplifies computer arithmetic and provides a unique representation for zero, unlike other signed number representations like sign-magnitude. Historically, its adoption significantly improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of early computing machines. It remains fundamental to modern computer architecture, enabling processors to handle both positive and negative integers seamlessly.