If one megabyte is equal to 2 raised to 20 bytes of computer data storage, then 2048 terabytes is equal to how many bits of data storage?

Since 2048 terabytes equals 2 raised to 51 bytes, multiplying by 8 bits per byte gives 2 raised to 54 bits.

The figure 2 raised to 51 counts bytes, not bits, so it stops one step short.

The figure 2 raised to 44 is far too small for this capacity.

The figure 2 raised to 57 overshoots the correct power by three.

Here 2048 is 2 raised to 11 and one terabyte is 2 raised to 40 bytes, giving 2 raised to 51 bytes.

Multiplying bytes by 8, which is 2 raised to 3, adds three to the exponent to reach 2 raised to 54.