What does the prefix 'Centi' represent?

What does the prefix 'Centi' represent?

• A. 10²
• B. 10³
• C. 10⁻¹
• D. 10⁻²

Answer: (D)

The prefix 'centi' represents a factor of 10 to the power of negative 2, or 10⁻². This is part of the metric system where prefixes specify the multiples or fractions of units. Specifically, 'centi' means one-hundredth of a unit. For example, one centimeter is equal to one one-hundredth of a meter, which can be expressed mathematically as 1 cm = 0.01 m, or 1 cm = 1/100 m, indicating that 'centi' denotes a factor of 10⁻². Understanding this is crucial as it helps in converting between different metric units effectively.

The prefix 'centi' represents a factor of 10 to the power of negative 2, or 10⁻². This is part of the metric system where prefixes specify the multiples or fractions of units. Specifically, 'centi' means one-hundredth of a unit. For example, one centimeter is equal to one one-hundredth of a meter, which can be expressed mathematically as 1 cm = 0.01 m, or 1 cm = 1/100 m, indicating that 'centi' denotes a factor of 10⁻². Understanding this is crucial as it helps in converting between different metric units effectively.