How are integers typically represented in a computer?

Integers are typically represented in a computer as groups of binary digits, which are also known as bits. Each binary digit can either be a 0 or a 1, and by combining these bits, a computer can encapsulate a wide range of integer values. This binary representation is fundamental to how computers operate at a low level, as they rely on the binary system for all forms of data storage and processing.

For example, a 32-bit integer uses 32 bits to represent values ranging from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647 in a two's complement form. This method of representation ensures that integers can be efficiently processed by the CPU and stored in memory.

Other options, such as floating-point numbers, hexadecimal numbers, and character arrays, represent different types of data. Floating-point numbers are used for representing real numbers with decimal values rather than whole numbers. Hexadecimal numbers serve as a convenient way to represent binary data but still rely on the underlying binary structure. Character arrays, meanwhile, are used to store sequences of characters, not numeric values. Thus, binary digits are the fundamental building blocks for integer representation in computing.