How many bytes are in 256 terabytes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the exact number of bytes in 256 terabytes, exploring both binary and decimal representations. Participants engage in various methods of calculation and express differing opinions on the approach to take.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests the exact number of bytes in 256 terabytes and asks for the method used to arrive at the answer.
  • Another participant provides a binary representation, suggesting it is calculated as 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 256.
  • A different participant states that 1TB equals 2^40 bytes, leading to 256TB being 2^48 bytes, which is also expressed as 281474976710656 bytes.
  • There is a challenge regarding the requirement to provide the answer in decimal rather than binary, with some participants expressing confusion over the definitions of binary and decimal representations.
  • One participant humorously mentions attempting to count to the number on their fingers and toes, indicating the large size of the number.
  • Another participant describes a method involving exponent notation, suggesting that 256 can be expressed as 2^8, leading to the conclusion of 2^48 bytes.
  • There are discussions about the validity of using exponent notation and whether it constitutes a decimal representation.
  • Some participants express frustration or amusement regarding the complexity of the calculations and the nature of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate method for calculating the number of bytes, with some favoring binary representation and others insisting on decimal. There is no consensus on the best approach or the correctness of the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different bases for calculations (binary vs. decimal) and express uncertainty about the definitions and representations of large numbers. The discussion includes various assumptions about the methods used for calculation.

ToxicBug
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Can you give the EXACT number of bytes there are in 256 terabytes? If you can, show how you did it.
 
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10000000000 0000000000 0000000000 0000000000 00000000 (in binary) since it is 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 256
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Last edited:
1TB=2^{40}B;256TB=2^{48}B=2^{51}b=2Pb

Daniel.
 
You have to give it in decimals, not in binary otherwise its too easy. Daniel your answer is wrong.
 
What do you mean:
256TB=2^{48}B=281474976710656B

Daniel.
 
This sounds sort of like a homework problem. "If you can, show how you did it," said ToxicBug.
 
To me,it sounds like something really stupid...I don't know why i even bothered to answer...

Daniel.
 
I tried just counting up to that number on my fingers and toes, alas I maxed out at 1,048,575. Right now, I have the population of Anchorage, AK working on the problem.

Oh, please, please hurry before too many fingers and toes fall off from frost bite :frown:
 
I just wanted to see if people know the trick for it.

Its a lot easier than that.

You take 2^X,Y where X is the units, for example: 0 - bytes, 1 - kilobytes, 4 - terabytes, etc. Then for Y you find the exponent 2^Y for the number. 256 is 2^8, so the answer is 2^48.
 
  • #10
And why wasn't my answer right...?BTW,on both posts it coincides with yours...:wink:

Daniel.
 
  • #11
ToxicBug,

Exponent notation is not a trick, it's a very normal tool used by almost all mathematicians, engineers, and physicists.

- Warren
 
  • #12
ToxicBug said:
You take 2^X,Y where X is the units, for example: 0 - bytes, 1 - kilobytes, 4 - terabytes, etc. Then for Y you find the exponent 2^Y for the number. 256 is 2^8, so the answer is 2^48.
And how is this a decimal representation ?
 
  • #13
Gokul43201 said:
And how is this a decimal representation ?
Because its decimal numbers, not binary :rolleyes:
 
  • #14
Good point...He probably meant the 15 digit number...BTW,it's called "BASE 10".

Daniel.
 
  • #15
2^48 without a calculator?
Wow, i must of been gone way to long. :rolleyes:
 
  • #16
Any one can do it,provided he/she has a piece of papaer and a pencil,so let's not exaggerate...

Daniel.
 
  • #17
2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 ... that is a lot of twos. I should be doing something else more productive right about now.
 
  • #18
You would square 1024, square the result, then multiply that by 128.
 
  • #19
motai said:
2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 ... that is a lot of twos. I should be doing something else more productive right about now.

I second that.:)
 

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