What does the term "hexadecimal" refer to in mathematics?

The term "hexadecimal" specifically refers to a Base 16 numbering scheme. In hexadecimal, the digits used include 0 to 9 to represent values zero through nine, and A to F to represent values ten through fifteen. This system is widely used in computing and digital electronics because it is more compact than binary (Base 2) and more readable than decimal (Base 10) for representing large binary numbers.

Hexadecimal simplifies the representation of binary data, as each hexadecimal digit corresponds to four binary digits (bits). This makes it easier to read and understand complex binary values, particularly in contexts like color coding in web design or memory addressing in programming.

Understanding that hexadecimal is fundamentally based on 16 is crucial for anyone studying mathematics or computer science, as it establishes a foundation for converting between numeral systems and understanding how data is processed and represented in digital systems.