Ternary number system

A number written in base 3 (ternary) uses only the digits 0, 1, and 2. Each digit represents a coefficient for a power of 3. The value of a ternary number $a_n a_{n-1} \\ldots a_1 a_0$ is $a_n \times 3^n + a_{n-1} \times 3^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1 \times 3^1 + a_0 \times 3^0$ where each $a_i$ is 0, 1, or 2.

Important properties

• Only digits 0, 1, and 2 are used.

• Each position represents a power of 3.

• Conversion between ternary and decimal involves expanding in powers of 3.

• Ternary numbers can represent any integer.