bits and bytes

[newB c PlusPlusGuy]

My professor wrote out a question on an exam and I am curious what your thoughts were.

2 bytes = 15 bits. (T or F)

Logically that would be 16 bits, and the answer would be False.

However, after some research I have found that it could actually be true in theory. Two 8 bit registers not using the entire amount of memory etc. could equal 15 bits or 14 etc.

Any thoughts? This is bugging the heck out of me!!!

Thanks

[cire]

However, after some research I have found that it could actually be true in theory. Two 8 bit registers not using the entire amount of memory etc. could equal 15 bits or 14 etc.

I think your research has gone awry. I don't know of any definition of a byte that would allow one to contain half a bit and not using all of a byte doesn't change the size of a byte.

In C++ at least, there is no requirement that a byte is an octet, however.