What term describes the number of unique symbols used to represent numbers in a specific number system?

The term that describes the number of unique symbols used to represent numbers in a specific number system is "radix." In numerical systems, the radix indicates the base's value and determines how many different digits can be utilized. For example, in the decimal system (base 10), there are ten unique symbols (0 through 9), while in the binary system (base 2), there are only two unique symbols (0 and 1). Understanding the concept of radix is fundamental in both mathematics and programming, as it directly relates to how numbers are represented and processed within various systems, including digital circuitry and programming logic. The radix plays a critical role when converting numbers between different bases, such as from binary to decimal or hexadecimal.