What is the meaning of the prefix 'Deci'?

What is the meaning of the prefix 'Deci'?

• A. 10
• B. 10⁻¹
• C. 10²
• D. 10³

Answer: (B)

The prefix 'Deci' signifies a factor of 10 raised to the power of -1, which is equivalent to 0.1. In the metric system, 'Deci' is used to denote a smaller unit that is one-tenth of the base unit. For instance, one decimeter (dm) is one-tenth of a meter (m). This prefix allows for easy conversion and understanding of different scales within the metric system. The option indicating 10 as a factor would imply a different multiplicative relationship, while the other options for powers of ten, specifically 10² and 10³, indicate larger magnitudes—100 and 1000, respectively. Understanding these prefixes is essential in scientific measurements and calculations, making it clear why 'Deci' corresponds specifically to 10⁻¹.

The prefix 'Deci' signifies a factor of 10 raised to the power of -1, which is equivalent to 0.1. In the metric system, 'Deci' is used to denote a smaller unit that is one-tenth of the base unit. For instance, one decimeter (dm) is one-tenth of a meter (m). This prefix allows for easy conversion and understanding of different scales within the metric system.

The option indicating 10 as a factor would imply a different multiplicative relationship, while the other options for powers of ten, specifically 10² and 10³, indicate larger magnitudes—100 and 1000, respectively. Understanding these prefixes is essential in scientific measurements and calculations, making it clear why 'Deci' corresponds specifically to 10⁻¹.