What is the base of the hexadecimal number system?

The hexadecimal number system is based on 16. This means that it uses 16 distinct symbols to represent values. These symbols include the numbers 0 through 9, which represent values zero to nine, and the letters A through F, which represent values ten to fifteen. For example, in hexadecimal, the number 'A' represents the decimal value 10, 'B' stands for 11, and so on, until 'F', which represents 15.

The choice of 16 as the base allows for a more compact representation of binary numbers, as each hexadecimal digit corresponds to a four-bit binary sequence. This is particularly useful in computing, where binary is the fundamental language of processors, as it makes large binary numbers more manageable and easier to read.

In contrast, the other number systems mentioned, such as base 10, base 2, and base 8, correspond to decimal, binary, and octal systems, respectively, each with their own specific bases and uses.