Which number system uses a base of 16 instead of 10?

The number system that utilizes a base of 16 is known as the hexadecimal system. This system is significant because it includes sixteen distinct symbols to represent values: the numbers 0 through 9 and the letters A through F, where A represents 10, B represents 11, C represents 12, D represents 13, E represents 14, and F represents 15.

Hexadecimal is commonly used in computing and digital electronics because it provides a more human-friendly representation of binary-coded values. Each hexadecimal digit can represent four binary digits (bits), allowing for a more compact representation of binary data, which is especially useful when dealing with large values and memory addresses.

In contrast, other number systems mentioned:

• The binary system operates on a base of 2, using only the digits 0 and 1.
• The decimal system follows a base of 10, which includes the digits 0 to 9.
• The octal system is based on a base of 8, using the digits 0 to 7.

These alternative systems lack the range of symbols and capacity to represent values that hexadecimal offers, making hexadecimal particularly valuable in various technical fields.