instead of using binary we could use ternary$($base $3).$ How many operations would it take to compute x$^100$ using the ternary expansion of $100?$ Is it ever more efficient to use ternary over binary? If$,$ yes, try to quantify how often ternary is better and how often binary is better$/$ Note there are many ways you can compare the two, from average number of operations to worst$-$case scenarios.