Final answer:
Prefixes like octa and deca are used in powers-of-ten notation to reflect the size of quantities. In this notation, common prefixes indicate fractions or multiples of ten, helping interpret the magnitude of figures in mathematical and scientific contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Prefixes in Powers-of-Ten Notation
Prefixes are an essential part of the powers-of-ten notation, which is based on the decimal system that increases by factors of ten. For instance, the prefix octa corresponds to the number eight, while deca stands for ten. In chemistry and mathematics, these prefixes help us quickly understand the magnitude of quantities. Let's explore some common prefixes and their meanings:
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- Micro (μ) - This prefix means 1x10-6, or one millionth.
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- Nano (n) - Stands for 1x10-9, or one billionth.
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- Pico (p) - Represents 1x10-12, or one trillionth.
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- Femto (f) - Equals 1x10-15, a quadrillionth.
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- Atto (a) - Corresponds to 1x10-18, a quintillionth.
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- Zepto (z) - Describes 1x10-21, a sextillionth.
Understanding these prefixes is crucial when working with binary molecular compounds, scientific measurements, and indicating the scale of numbers in mathematical notations.
When it comes to dividing by powers of 10, the process is straightforward. Simply move the decimal point to the left according to the power of ten. For example, dividing by 1x102 would mean moving the decimal two places to the left.