Positional value dependence – UGC NET Question

In a positional number system, the numeric value of each digit is determined by its position relative to other digits and the base of the system. The same digit symbol can represent different values depending on where it is placed in the number. For example, in decimal, the digit 2 in 20 and 200 has different values because of their positions. Therefore, position is the key factor governing the digit's value.

Option A:
Option A refers to font style, which is only a presentation attribute and does not change the numeric value. Whether a number is written in bold or italics, its quantitative meaning is unchanged. Hence font style has no role in determining numerical value.

Option B:
Option B mentions shape, but the geometric style of a digit symbol does not affect its numeric interpretation. Even if the typography changes slightly, the underlying digit remains the same. Thus shape is not the basis for place value in positional systems.

Option C:
Option C is correct because positional systems assign place values based on the position of digits relative to the base. Each position corresponds to a power of the base, and the digit multiplies that positional weight. Without positional dependence, we would not distinguish between units, tens and hundreds.

Option D:
Option D refers to colour, which is not a mathematical property of numbers. Changing the colour of a digit has no effect on its value or its role in calculations. Therefore colour cannot determine the value of a digit in any number system.