NATURAL data types
 

I was hoping that someone here is familiar enough with NATURAL to answer a few questions regarding some of its data types.

My first question is how are pact variables (p*) stored versus numerical variables (n*)? I've had trouble finding an in depth explanation of how they are stored in memory and how they are operated on.

My second question, related to the first one, is why are odd pact initialization values more efficient than even ones (p3 versus p4)? I haven't been able to get anyone who could adequately explain why that is.

Hopefully I made this clear enough, and I appreciate any insight anyone can offer.