MIXED RADIX Meaning and
Definition
-
Mixed radix is a numerical system in which different bases are used for each place value or digit position within a number. This means that instead of having a uniform base for the entire number, different bases are employed depending on the position of the digit.
In conventional numeral systems, such as the decimal system, a fixed base (in this case, base 10) is used for all digit positions. However, in mixed radix systems, different bases can be assigned for each position. For example, a mixed radix system can use base 10 for the hundreds place, base 8 for the tens place, and base 2 for the units place.
The use of mixed radix systems can allow for more efficient representations of numbers, especially when dealing with quantities that require different levels of precision or where certain digits are more significant than others. By assigning different bases, it is possible to optimize computational operations and storage requirements.
Mixed radix is commonly used in various fields, including computer science, mathematics, and signal processing. It is particularly beneficial in applications where numbers need to be represented or manipulated in a more efficient manner or when specific properties of a number system can be exploited.
In summary, mixed radix refers to a numerical system that employs different bases for different digit positions within a number, enabling more efficient representation and manipulation of quantities.
Etymology of MIXED RADIX
The word "mixed radix" combines two terms: "mixed" and "radix".
The term "radix" comes from Latin, where it means "root" or "base". In mathematics, radix refers to the base of a number system. For example, in the decimal system, the radix is 10, and in the binary system, the radix is 2.
The word "mixed" means a combination of different elements or types. In the context of mathematics, "mixed" implies that multiple radices are combined or used together.
So, when combined, the term "mixed radix" refers to a numerical system in which different bases (radices) are used. It is typically used to describe a number system that utilizes various bases for different digits within the same number representation.
