What prefix represents one-tenth of the base unit in the metric system?

The prefix that represents one-tenth of the base unit in the metric system is "deci-." In the metric system, the prefix "deci-" denotes a factor of 0.1 or one-tenth. For example, when applied to the meter, a decimeter (dm) is equal to 0.1 meters, which is one-tenth of a meter.

Understanding the metric prefixes is essential for converting between different units of measurement. Each prefix corresponds to a specific factor by which the base unit is multiplied or divided, allowing for simplifications in scientific and everyday calculations. In contrast, the other prefixes listed correspond to different factors, such as "centi-" which denotes one-hundredth (0.01) and "milli-" which means one-thousandth (0.001). The prefix "deca-" signifies ten times the base unit (10) instead of one-tenth. Knowing these relationships helps in accurately interpreting and converting metric measurements.