Is there a formula that can be used to convert Binary to decimal that is straight forward?

Answer 1

If you mean a straight forward algorithm, then yes.

I guess you want to know what it is...

1. Start at the left hand end of the binary number with the result (decimal number) set to zero
2. double the result and add the current binary digit
3. if there are more binary digits move one binary digit to the right and repeat step 2
4. repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the binary digits have been used.
5. the result is the decimal equivalent

for example converting 101002 to decimal:

1. set result to 0, start with the first binary digit (of 10100) which is 1

2. 2 x 0 + 1 = 1

3. 2nd binary digit (of 10100) is 0

2. 2 x 1 + 0 = 2

3. 3rd binary digit (of 10100) is 1

2. 2 x 2 + 1 = 5

3. 4th binary digit (of 10100) is 0

2. 2 x 5 + 0 = 10

3. 5th binary digit (of 10100) is 0

2. 2 x 10 + 0 = 20

3. no more binary digits

4. 101002 = 2010