The committee considered an eight-bit code, since eight bits (octets) would allow two four-bit patterns to efficiently encode two digits with binary-coded decimal. However, it would require all data transmission to send eight bits when seven could suffice. The committee voted to use a seven-bit code to minimize costs associated with data transmission. Since perforated tape at the time could record eight bits in one position, it also allowed for a parity bit for error checking if desired.:217, 2365 Eight-bit machines (with octets as the native data type) that did not use parity checking typically set the eighth bit to 0.
If it is possible to answer this question, answer it for me (else, reply "unanswerable"): What did seven-bit machines that did not use parity typically set the eight bit to?
Ah, so.. unanswerable

Antarctica has no indigenous population and there is no evidence that it was seen by humans until the 19th century. However, belief in the existence of a Terra Australisa vast continent in the far south of the globe to "balance" the northern lands of Europe, Asia and North Africahad existed since the times of Ptolemy (1st century AD), who suggested the idea to preserve the symmetry of all known landmasses in the world. Even in the late 17th century, after explorers had found that South America and Australia were not part of the fabled "Antarctica", geographers believed that the continent was much larger than its actual size.
If it is possible to answer this question, answer it for me (else, reply "unanswerable"): What was Antarctica presumed to be by the ancient thinkers?
Ah, so.. balance

UNFPA's connection to China's administration of forced abortions was refuted by investigations carried out by various US, UK, and UN teams sent to examine UNFPA activities in China. Specifically, a three-person U.S State Department fact-finding team was sent on a two-week tour throughout China. It wrote in a report to the State Department that it found "no evidence that UNFPA has supported or participated in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization in China," as has been charged by critics.
If it is possible to answer this question, answer it for me (else, reply "unanswerable"): Which U.S. department ignored the allegations?
Ah, so..
unanswerable