1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving a signed number as input to a system; using a processor, determining a sign of the signed number; determining, based on the sign of the signed number, an appropriate operation for the signed number; performing the appropriate operation on the signed number within the system to alter the signed number to produce an unsigned number through the use of an offset; generating an unsigned branch metric from the unsigned number; and outputting an unsigned path metric based on the unsigned branch metric.