How many bytes are there in a megabyte (MB)?

Prepare for the KAMSC Sophomore Computer Science Test. Boost your knowledge with flashcards and comprehensive multiple-choice questions. Ace your exam with detailed explanations for each answer!

A megabyte (MB) is commonly understood to be 1,024 kilobytes, which can be further broken down into 1,024 bytes per kilobyte. Therefore, when you calculate the total number of bytes in a megabyte, it comes out to be:

1 MB = 1,024 KB

1 KB = 1,024 bytes

So, 1 MB = 1,024 × 1,024 bytes = 1,048,576 bytes.

In the context of data measurement, while some might round a megabyte to approximately 1 million bytes for easier communication or when discussing storage capacity, particularly in contexts like hard drive sizes, the precise measure according to binary calculations is as explained above.

Understanding this distinction is important because in computing, a megabyte is typically defined as 1,048,576 bytes, not simply a million bytes, which makes option B misleading in a strict sense. The correct answer should accurately reflect the standard definition rather than a rounded figure.

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