Which of the following representations in two's complement notation represents the smallest value?

A. 00000010 B. 11110000 C. 00000001 D. 11111111

B. 11110000

Explanation:

Representing each of the binary inputs in twos complement format as a decimal number:

A. 00000010 = 1*2^1 = 2

B. 11110000:

Getting the 2s complement of this number: 00001111 + 1 = 00010000

Converting to decimal = 1 * 2^4 = 16

So the original number is negative of this, namely - 16

C. 00000001 = 1 * 2^0 = 1

D. 11111111:

Getting the 2s complement of this number: 00000000 + 1 = 00000001

Converting to decimal = 1 * 2^0 = 1

So the original number is negative of this, namely - 1

Of the given numbers, B. 11110000 (-16) is the smallest.