A number system is defined as a system of writing to express numbers. It is the mathematical notation for representing numbers of a given set by using digits or other symbols in a consistent manner. It provides a unique representation of every number and represents the arithmetic and algebraic structure of the figures.
The value of any digit in a number can be determined by:
- The digit
- Its position in the number
- The base of the number system
Types of Number System
There are various types of number systems in mathematics. The four most common number system types are:
- Decimal number system (Base- 10): The decimal number system has a base 10 because it uses ten digits from 0 to 9. In the decimal number system, the positions successive to the left of the decimal point represent units, tens, hundreds, thousands and so on. This system is expressed in decimal numbers. Every position shows a particular power of the base (10).
- Binary number system (Base- 2): The base 2 number system is also known as the Binary number system wherein, only two binary digits exist, i.e., 0 and 1. Specifically, the usual base-2 is a radix of 2. The figures described under this system are known as binary numbers which are the combination of 0 and 1.
- Octal number system (Base-8): In the octal number system, the base is 8 and it uses numbers from 0 to 7 to represent numbers. Octal numbers are commonly used in computer applications.
- Hexadecimal number system (Base- 16): In the hexadecimal system, numbers are written or represented with base 16. In the hex system, the numbers are first represented just like in decimal system, i.e. from 0 to 9. Then, the numbers are represented using the alphabets from A to F.
Tags:
Maths