What are the three important features of numbering systems?

The three important features of numbering systems fundamentally determine how numbers are structured, interpreted, and used in mathematical operations. The correct answer identifies a base or radix, place value, and a point as key components.

The base or radix is critical because it defines the number of unique digits, including zero, that a numbering system uses to represent numbers. For instance, the decimal system has a base of 10, utilizing the digits 0 through 9, while the binary system has a base of 2, using only 0 and 1. This foundational aspect is essential for understanding how numbers are constructed and converted between different systems.

Place value is another essential feature, as it denotes the position of a digit in a number, which determines its actual value based on the base of the system. For example, in the decimal system, the digit '5' represents fifty when it is in the tens place (5x10) and simply five when in the units place (5x1). This concept is vital for performing arithmetic operations.

The addition of a point—typically referring to the decimal point in base ten or the binary point in binary systems—also plays a significant role in denoting the fractional part of numbers. The placement of the point affects