Alternative name for base eight – UGC NET Question

A base-8 number system uses eight distinct digit symbols, typically 0 through 7. Such a system is called the octal number system. Octal is sometimes used as a compact representation of binary by grouping bits in threes. Hence, the correct alternative name for base 8 is octal.

Option A:
Option A, binary, refers to base 2 and is limited to digits 0 and 1. This does not align with the eight digits used in base 8.

Option B:
Option B is correct because "oct" denotes eight, reflecting the eight symbols 0–7 used in this system. It is a well-established term in digital electronics.

Option C:
Option C, decimal, corresponds to base 10 with digits 0–9. This system is unrelated to base 8 in terms of the number of symbols.

Option D:
Option D, hexadecimal, is base 16 and uses both digits and letters up to F. It uses many more symbols than an octal system.