diff --git a/zk/Signed_magnitude_representation.md b/zk/Signed_magnitude_representation.md
index 597410f..3180779 100644
--- a/zk/Signed_magnitude_representation.md
+++ b/zk/Signed_magnitude_representation.md
@@ -11,6 +11,17 @@ created: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
 
 ## Detail
 
+The concept behind SMR is similar to how we designate positive and negative
+integers in denary mathematics: we use a dedicated symbol (`-`) to signpost that
+the integer is negative. In the binary application the dedicated symbol is one
+of the binary digits that comprise the number.
+
+Typically `0` is used to indicate an unsigned (positive) integer and `1` to
+indicate a signed (negative) number. The rest of the bits are the magnitude (the
+actual numerical value).
+
+We can demonstrate with an 8-bit binary system.
+
 ## Applications
 
 ## Related notes