Hexadecimal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hexadecimal
[hɛksəˈdɛkəməl ]
Definitions
number system
Hexadecimal is a base-16 number system that uses sixteen distinct symbols: 0-9 for values zero to nine and A-F for values ten to fifteen. It is commonly used in computing and digital electronics because it is more compact than the binary system and easier for humans to read. Each hexadecimal digit represents four binary digits (bits), allowing for a more efficient representation of binary-coded values.
Synonyms
base-16, hex.
Examples of usage
- The hexadecimal value for decimal 255 is FF.
- Web colors are often represented in hexadecimal format.
- In programming, memory addresses are frequently shown in hexadecimal.
- Hexadecimal numbers are useful in debugging code.
number system
A hexadecimal is a numeral in the base-16 system. It is widely used in computing, as it simplifies the representation of binary data. Each digit in a hexadecimal number can express a value of 16 different states, making it particularly useful for encoding data in programming languages, computer graphics, and digital communications.
Examples of usage
- The hexadecimal '4D' corresponds to the decimal value 77.
- He converted the binary number to hexadecimal for easier reading.
- Hexadecimals are often used to represent RGB color values.
- Learning hexadecimal is essential for understanding low-level programming.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Computing
- In programming, colors on websites are often represented in hexadecimal format, such as #FF5733, where 'FF' is the red component.
- Hexadecimal simplifies binary representation: one hex digit represents four binary digits (bits), making it easier to read computer memory addresses.
Mathematics
- In contrast to decimal, hexadecimal can efficiently express large numbers in a smaller number of digits, which is why it's used in coding.
- It is also used in modular arithmetic, making problems easier to solve with fewer symbols.
Pop Culture
- Hexadecimal concepts have appeared in various video games and apps, often in character names or game mechanics, like in 'block' games where colors are defined using hex codes.
- The character Hexadecimal from the animated series 'Reboot' embodies hexadecimal elements, creating a fun fusion of computing and entertainment.
Art and Design
- Graphic designers frequently utilize hexadecimal values in software to create and choose colors for digital art.
- Hex color codes offer a precise way to communicate colors across different devices and platforms, ensuring consistency in visual design.
Origin of 'hexadecimal'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'hex' (meaning six) and 'decimal' (meaning ten), reflecting its base of 16, which is 6 more than 10.
- It has been used since the mid-20th century in computing and mathematics to simplify binary code for humans.
The term 'hexadecimal' is a combination of the prefix 'hexa-' from the Greek 'hex', meaning six, and 'decimal', from the Latin 'decem', meaning ten. The first known use of the term in the context of number systems dates back to 1960. The hexadecimal system arose as a practical method for representing binary data in a more concise format. With the advent of computers and digital electronics, it became increasingly adopted due to the need for more compact and human-readable forms of binary numbers. Hexadecimal became especially prevalent in the context of programming and web design. Its use allows for easier interpretation of binary values and memory addresses, and it simplifies debugging and system development.