Imagine a calculator that can not only do maths (5+3, 10×2) but can also make decisions ("Is 7 greater than 5?", "Are both conditions true?"). That's the Arithmetic Logic Unit. Every time your computer adds numbers in a spreadsheet, checks if a password is correct, or decides whether to run an IF statement - the ALU is doing the work. It's called the "calculator of the CPU" but it's so much more powerful than that!
This introduction covers The Super Calculator within Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in 3.4 Computer Systems for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 1 of 7 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
What does ALU stand for?
Explain how the role of the ALU differs from the role of the Control Unit (CU).
Quick recall flashcards
What does ALU stand for?
Arithmetic Logic Unit
Where are ALU results stored?
Accumulator (ACC)