HEXADECIMAL SYSTEM Meaning and
Definition
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The hexadecimal system, also known as base-16 numeral system, is a counting system used in mathematics and computing that uses 16 unique symbols to represent numerical values. It is an extension of the decimal system which uses ten symbols (0-9) to represent values.
In the hexadecimal system, the symbols used to represent values from 0 to 9 are the same as in the decimal system, while the symbols used for values from 10 to 15 are represented by the letters A, B, C, D, E, and F. These letters are employed to avoid ambiguity and represent decimal values greater than 9.
Each digit in a hexadecimal number represents a power of 16. The rightmost digit represents 16^0, the second rightmost represents 16^1, and so on. For example, the hexadecimal number "1A" is equal to 1 × (16^1) + 10 × (16^0) or, in decimal form, 26.
The hexadecimal system is widely used in computer programming due to its compatibility with binary systems. Since 16 is a power of 2 (binary system base), it allows easy conversion between binary and hexadecimal. Two hexadecimal digits can represent one byte in computers.
Furthermore, the hexadecimal system provides a concise representation for binary patterns, making it easier for programmers to read and write binary code. It is frequently used to represent memory addresses, color codes, character encodings, and various binary data in computer science and engineering applications.
Common Misspellings for HEXADECIMAL SYSTEM
- gexadecimal system
- bexadecimal system
- nexadecimal system
- jexadecimal system
- uexadecimal system
- yexadecimal system
- hwxadecimal system
- hsxadecimal system
- hdxadecimal system
- hrxadecimal system
- h4xadecimal system
- h3xadecimal system
- hezadecimal system
- hecadecimal system
- hedadecimal system
- hesadecimal system
- hexzdecimal system
- hexsdecimal system
- hexwdecimal system
Etymology of HEXADECIMAL SYSTEM
The word "hexadecimal" is derived from two roots: "hexa" and "decimal".
- "Hexa" comes from the Greek word "hex", which means "six". This refers to the base number used in the hexadecimal system, which is 16. This base number was chosen because it provides a convenient way to represent large numbers while using a limited number of digits.
- "Decimal" is derived from the Latin word "decem", which means "ten". This refers to the base number used in the decimal system, which is 10. The decimal system is the most commonly used numerical system, where numbers are represented using ten digits (0-9).
Combining these roots, "hexadecimal" literally means "sixteen-ten" or "sixteen-based". This name accurately reflects the base number utilized in the hexadecimal system, which is a crucial component of computer science and digital technology.
Similar spelling word for HEXADECIMAL SYSTEM
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