Consider the equation L + M = N, where L = (100011) in base 2 and N = (101000) in base 2. What is the value of M as represented in decimal format?

Binary 100011 is 35 and binary 101000 is 40, so M equals 40 minus 35, which is 5.

In 100011 the set bits carry values 32, 2 and 1, totalling 35.

In 101000 the set bits carry values 32 and 8, totalling 40.

The answer 35 is only L and 40 is only N, neither being the difference sought.

Subtracting 35 from 40 leaves 5 as the missing addend M.

Each binary place is worth twice the place to its right, starting at 1.