Radix refers to the base or number of unique digits in a numeral system. In the context of computing and mathematics, radix is often used to describe the base of a numeral system used to represent numbers. The most common numeral systems are:
- Decimal System (Base-10): This is the numeral system most people are familiar with. It uses ten digits (0-9) to represent numbers.
- Binary System (Base-2): This is the numeral system used in digital computers. It uses only two digits (0 and 1) to represent numbers.
- Octal System (Base-8): This system uses eight digits (0-7) to represent numbers.
- Hexadecimal System (Base-16): This system uses sixteen digits, including the digits 0-9 and the letters A-F, to represent numbers.
When you mention “radix,” you’re essentially referring to the base of the numeral system being used. For example, in the decimal system, the radix is 10, in the binary system, the radix is 2, and so on.
In the context of algorithms like the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) or other numerical computations, the term “radix” can also be used to describe the base used in various computational techniques or algorithms, particularly those related to conversion between different bases or number systems.