Question

What are the basic prefixes used in the metric system and how do they relate to the size of the base unit?

Answer 1

The metric system is based on a system of tens so all the units in the system relate to each other in terms of tens. To the basic unit: 1000 milli= [unit] 100 centi= [unit] 10 deci= [unit] 0.1 deca= [unit] 0.01 hecto= [unit] 0.001 kilo= [unit]

Answer 2

• The basic prefixes are kilo, hecto, deca, milli, centi, and deci.

• These relate to the size of the base unit as follows:

1. Kilo, Hecto and Deca are used to reflect how large the unit is as compared to the base unit.

• Kilo is 1000 times larger than the base unit.
• Hecto is 100 times larger than the base unit.
• Deca is 10 times larger than the base unit.

For e.g 1 kilometre= 1000 metre

2.On the contrary, milli, centi and deci are used to reflect how small the unit is as compared to base unit.

• Milli is 1000 times smaller than the base unit.
• Centi is 100 times smaller than the base unit.
• Deci is 10 times smaller than the base unit.

For e.g 1 m = 100 cm.