Hex of decimal 255 – UGC NET Question

Decimal 255 is the largest number representable with eight bits set to 1, that is 11111111₂. Grouping the bits in fours gives 1111 and 1111, which correspond to F and F in hexadecimal. Thus, the hex representation of 255 is FF₁₆.

Option A:
Option A, EF₁₆, corresponds to 14×16 + 15 = 239, which is less than 255. It has a different high-order digit than FF.

Option B:
Option B, FE₁₆, represents 15×16 + 14 = 254, one less than 255. It is frequently seen in contexts like signed ranges, but it is not equal to 255.

Option C:
Option C is correct because FF₁₆ equals 15×16 + 15 = 255. It reflects a full set of ones in binary and is widely used as a maximum byte value.

Option D:
Option D, EE₁₆, equals 14×16 + 14 = 238, which is significantly smaller than 255. Its binary form does not have all bits set.