The smallest metric prefix among the options provided is "centi."
Here's why:
1. Metric prefixes indicate the magnitude of a unit of measurement. They can make a unit larger or smaller based on a factor of 10.
2. In this case, "centi-" is the prefix that represents one hundredth (1/100) of the base unit. For example, centimeter (cm) is one hundredth of a meter.
3. Comparing the prefixes listed:
- Milli- represents one thousandth (1/1000) of the base unit.
- Deci- represents one tenth (1/10) of the base unit.
- Kilo- represents one thousand (1000) times the base unit.
- Centi- represents one hundredth (1/100) of the base unit, making it the smallest among the options given.
Therefore, "centi" is the smallest metric prefix listed in terms of magnitude.
