Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: sixteen.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Hexadecimal (often shortened to “hex”) is widely used in digital electronics and computer systems because it maps neatly to binary. Understanding bases (also called radices) helps you convert between binary, decimal, octal, and hex, and to read memory dumps, color codes, and instruction encodings.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In any base-b system, the allowed digits are 0 through (b − 1). Hexadecimal provides 16 distinct symbols: 0–9 for zero through nine, and A–F for ten through fifteen. Therefore, the radix is 16. This base is convenient because grouping binary bits in sets of four converts directly to one hex digit.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Check binary grouping: 1 hex digit ↔ 4 bits. For example, 0xA = 1010₂. This one-to-one nibble mapping confirms base 16 usage in practice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing hex with decimal because both use digits 0–9; hex additionally uses A–F.
Final Answer:
sixteen.
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