Final answer:
Metadata provides key information about a file, including its location, size, creation, modification dates, title, and author, which is critical for file management and organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metadata provides information about a file such as the location of the file, the size of the file, when the file was created and when it was last modified, the title, and the author. Metadata is essential for managing files in today's digital environments, as it allows both users and computer systems to understand the properties and attributes of a file. Furthermore, metadata is often used for file management tasks like searching and organization, as well as ensuring that important information is not lost over time.