Final answer:
With four bits, 16 different symbols can be represented, as each bit holds two possible states and four bits can create 16 unique combinations.
Step-by-step explanation:
With four bits, 16 different symbols can be represented. Each bit has two possible states (0 or 1), and when you combine four bits, you have 2^4, which equals 16 unique combinations. This is because each bit doubles the number of possibilities, and with four bits, you have 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 = 16. These combinations can be used to represent various data, such as numbers, characters, or other information in a digital system. The binary system's exponential growth with each added bit enables a compact representation of information and forms the basis for digital computing, where data is processed in binary code.