Calculating Maximum Storage for Wedding Photos

The question asks us to determine three things based on a set of 50 wedding photographs that need to be sent digitally via ordinary postal service:

• 'A': The maximum storage space required.
• 'B': A suitable medium for sending copies to guests.
• 'C': A valid reason for choosing medium 'B'.

Determining 'A': Maximum Storage Space Required

We are given that there are 50 photographs and the size of each photograph is between 1.8 megabytes and 2.5 megabytes. To find the maximum storage space required for all 50 photographs, we need to use the maximum possible size for a single photograph and multiply it by the total number of photographs.

Maximum size per photograph = 2.5 megabytes

Number of photographs = 50

Maximum total storage space ('A') = Number of photographs $\times$ Maximum size per photograph

Calculating the maximum total storage space:

A = $50 \times 2.5 \text{ MB} = 125 \text{ MB}$

So, the maximum storage space required ('A') is 125 megabytes.

Determining 'B': Suitable Medium for Mailing Digital Copies

We need to find a suitable medium to store and send digital copies of the photographs (approximately 125 MB) through ordinary postal service to guests. Let's consider common digital storage media and their suitability for mailing and the required capacity:

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Typically offers very large storage (hundreds of gigabytes to several terabytes), but is relatively expensive for storing just 125 MB. While robust, they are bulkier and potentially more susceptible to damage during transit compared to solid-state media. Not ideal for distributing small amounts of data to multiple people via mail due to cost and size.
• Solid State Drive (SSD): Offers high speed and durability (no moving parts). Like HDDs, they usually offer large storage capacities and are significantly more expensive than other options for storing only 125 MB. While durable for mailing, the cost makes them unsuitable for mass distribution via post.
• CD (Compact Disc): A standard CD-R has a capacity of about 700 MB. This is more than sufficient to hold 125 MB. CDs are relatively inexpensive to produce or buy in bulk, lightweight, and durable enough for mailing in a protective sleeve or case.
• Low Capacity Flash Memory (e.g., USB flash drive): Flash drives come in various capacities. A low capacity one (e.g., 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB) would easily hold 125 MB. Flash drives are compact, lightweight, durable, and easy for recipients to use. Prices for low-capacity drives have decreased significantly, making them inexpensive. They are also suitable for mailing.

Comparing the options, a CD or a low capacity flash memory device are the most suitable mediums for sending approximately 125 MB of data via ordinary postal service to multiple guests due to their combination of sufficient capacity, low cost, and suitability for mailing.

So, a suitable medium ('B') is CD/Low capacity flash memory.

Determining 'C': Valid Reason for Choosing the Medium

Based on our analysis of the suitable medium ('B' = CD/Low capacity flash memory), we need a valid reason ('C') from the options. The key factors for choosing a medium for mailing copies to guests are typically cost and ease/safety of mailing.

Let's look at potential reasons:

• "Good for mailing/inexpensive to buy": This aligns well with the characteristics of CDs and low capacity flash memory. They are compact, relatively sturdy for postal transit ("Good for mailing"), and generally cheaper than Hard Disks or SSDs ("inexpensive to buy"), especially when distributing many copies.
• "inexpensive to buy": While true for CD/Flash, it might also be claimed for other media in different contexts. However, combined with the requirement of mailing, the first reason is more comprehensive.
• "Good for mailing": True for CD/Flash and SSD, but doesn't address the cost effectiveness needed for potentially sending many copies.

The reason "Good for mailing/inexpensive to buy" best justifies choosing CD or low capacity flash memory for this task.

So, a valid reason ('C') is Good for mailing/inexpensive to buy.

Putting it Together: ('A', 'B', 'C')

Based on our analysis:

• 'A' (Maximum storage space) = 125 megabytes
• 'B' (Suitable medium) = CD/Low capacity flash memory
• 'C' (Valid reason) = Good for mailing/inexpensive to buy

Therefore, ('A', 'B', 'C') is (125 megabytes, CD/Low capacity flash memory, Good for mailing/inexpensive to buy).

Comparing with Given Options

Option 1 correctly identifies the maximum storage needed (125 megabytes), a suitable medium for postal delivery (CD/Low capacity flash memory), and a valid reason for choosing it (Good for mailing/inexpensive to buy).

Revision Table: Key Concepts for Digital Storage

Additional Information on Choosing Storage for Distribution

When choosing a digital storage medium to distribute data, especially via postal service, several factors are important:

• Capacity: Does the medium have enough space for the data? For 125 MB, most modern media have sufficient capacity, but larger media (like multi-terabyte HDDs) would be overkill and expensive.
• Cost: How much does the medium cost per unit? For distributing to many people, inexpensive options like CDs or low-cost flash drives are preferable.
• Durability: Can the medium withstand the handling involved in mailing? Solid-state media (flash drives, SSDs) and optical media (CDs) are generally more robust for mailing than traditional HDDs with moving parts.
• Compatibility: Can the recipients easily access the data on the medium? CDs and USB flash drives are widely compatible with most computers.
• Ease of Use: How easy is it for recipients to get the data off the medium? USB flash drives are often plug-and-play. CDs require a CD drive.
• Physical Size: Is the medium compact enough for easy packaging and mailing? CDs and flash drives are small and lightweight.

For mailing 125 MB to multiple guests, a CD or a low capacity USB flash drive presents the best balance of these factors: sufficient capacity, low cost, good durability for mailing, and high compatibility/ease of use.