Question

If a computer hard disk has 1.5 terabytes (TB) of memory, what is the storage capacity in megabytes (MB)?

Short answer

The storage capacity is 1,572,864 MB.

Step-by-step solution

Convert Terabytes to Gigabytes

Start by converting the storage capacity from terabytes to gigabytes. We know that 1 terabyte (TB) is equal to 1024 gigabytes (GB). Therefore, multiply 1.5 TB by 1024 to find the equivalent capacity in gigabytes: \[ 1.5 \text{ TB} \times 1024 \text{ GB/TB} = 1536 \text{ GB} \]

Convert Gigabytes to Megabytes

Convert the result from gigabytes to megabytes. Since 1 gigabyte is equal to 1024 megabytes, multiply 1536 GB by 1024 to determine the storage capacity in megabytes: \[ 1536 \text{ GB} \times 1024 \text{ MB/GB} = 1,572,864 \text{ MB} \]

Key concepts

terabytes to megabytes

Understanding how to convert terabytes (TB) to megabytes (MB) is essential when managing computer memory and storage. One terabyte is a large unit of digital information that can store massive amounts of data. However, sometimes it's necessary to break it down into smaller units like megabytes to make calculations easier or meet specific needs of a device or application.
When converting from terabytes to megabytes, it’s important to know the hierarchy of data units based on powers of two, which is standard in computing. Here's how the conversion works:

• 1 terabyte (TB) = 1024 gigabytes (GB)
• 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1024 megabytes (MB)

Therefore, to convert terabytes to megabytes, you first convert terabytes to gigabytes, and then gigabytes to megabytes, by multiplying each time by 1024. For instance, converting 1.5 TB to MB involves two steps: 1. Multiply 1.5 TB by 1024 to get gigabytes (1536 GB). 2. Multiply that result (1536 GB) by 1024 to convert to megabytes, which results in 1,572,864 MB.
This method ensures that you accurately convert storage sizes in a consistent manner, which is crucial in data management.

computer memory

Computer memory is the storage area where the computer holds data it is currently using or processing. It's a critical component of computing systems and directly influences a device's performance. Memory comes in various forms and units, including bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), and terabytes (TB).
Memory is an essential aspect of both hardware and software function:

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Used for temporary storage to allow quick access to current instructions or data needed by the CPU.
• Storage Memory: Permanent storage, like Hard Drives or SSDs, used for storing files, applications, and the operating system.

When considering memory, it's helpful to understand the various storage terms and their relationships, which assist in effective memory management. Proper utilization and conversion of memory types help optimize a computer's ability to multi-task and perform efficiently.

storage capacity conversion

Storage capacity conversion is the process of translating the information storage size from one unit to another. It's essential for understanding storage capabilities and ensuring compatibility across different digital environments. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where the storage size exceeds the conventional units of measurement used daily.
Here's a brief guide on how storage capacity conversion works:

• Start by identifying the units you need to convert between, for example, terabytes (TB) to megabytes (MB).
• Understand that the conversion process relies on the binary system, where each unit is 1024 times the previous one.
• To convert between units, multiply by 1024 when moving from larger to smaller units (e.g., TB to GB to MB).

Using these principles is crucial for managing data effectively. By performing conversions, you ensure that the storage capacities meet the required specifications and constraints of your applications or devices, which helps maintain system efficiency.