Question

1 GB equals how many MB?

Answer 1

Answer: 1 GB = 1024 MB

Explanation:

Understanding the relationship between gigabytes (GB) and megabytes (MB) is essential in computer science and digital literacy. The conversion follows the binary system that computers use to process and store data.

In the binary system, each unit increases by powers of 2. Since computers work with binary digits (0s and 1s), the storage units follow this pattern. The number 1024 comes from 2^10 (2 raised to the power of 10), which equals exactly 1024. This is why 1 GB contains 1024 MB rather than the decimal system's 1000.

Here's the complete hierarchy of digital storage units:

• 8 bits = 1 Byte • 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte (KB) • 1024 KB = 1 Megabyte (MB) • 1024 MB = 1 Gigabyte (GB) • 1024 GB = 1 Terabyte (TB)

It's worth noting that there's sometimes confusion because manufacturers occasionally use the decimal system (base 10) for marketing purposes, where 1 GB would equal 1000 MB. However, in computer science and most technical applications, we use the binary system where 1 GB = 1024 MB.

To put this in perspective, 1024 megabytes can store approximately 250 songs, 500 photos, or about 1 hour of high-definition video. Understanding these conversions helps you better manage your device storage and make informed decisions about data usage and storage needs.