Question

deci- is the prefix used to signify \\(\frac{1}{10}\\), or 0.1, of the base unit. for example, a decimeter is \\(\frac{1}{10}\\) of a meter.

centi- is the prefix used to signify \\(\frac{1}{100}\\), or 0.01, of the base unit. for example, a centimeter is \\(\frac{1}{100}\\) of a meter.

milli- is the prefix used to signify \\(\frac{1}{1000}\\), or 0.001, of the base unit. for example, a milliliter is \\(\frac{1}{1000}\\) of a liter.

how might you ask for \\(\frac{1}{10}\\) of a liter of water?

a “one deciliter of water, please!”

b “i’ll take one centiliter of water.”

c “i would like a milliliter of water.”

d “bring me a liter of water quickly!”

Explanation:

To determine the correct option, we analyze the prefixes:

• Dec - prefix means $\frac{1}{10}$ of the base unit. So a deciliter is $\frac{1}{10}$ of a liter.
• Centi - prefix means $\frac{1}{100}$ of the base unit, so a centiliter is $\frac{1}{100}$ of a liter.
• Milli - prefix means $\frac{1}{1000}$ of the base unit, so a milliliter is $\frac{1}{1000}$ of a liter.
• Option D asks for a liter, not $\frac{1}{10}$ of a liter.

We need $\frac{1}{10}$ of a liter, so the correct term is deciliter.

Answer:

A. "One deciliter of water, please!"