\begin{definition}[Definition:Basis Representation]
Let $b \in \Z$ be an integer such that $b > 1$.
Let $n \in \Z$ be an integer such that $n \ne 0$.
The '''representation of $n$ to the base $b$''' is the unique string of digits:
:$\pm \sqbrk {r_m r_{m - 1} \ldots r_2 r_1 r_0}_b$
where $\pm$ is:
:the negative sign $-$ {{iff}} $n < 0$
:the positive sign $+$ (or omitted) {{iff}} $n > 0$
If $n = 0$, then $n$ is represented simply as $0$.
\end{definition}