To determine which prefix means [tex]\( \frac{1}{10} \)[/tex] of a unit in the metric system, we need to examine the prefixes provided:
A) Hecto - This prefix denotes a factor of [tex]\( 10^{2} \)[/tex] or 100 times the unit.
B) Milli - This prefix denotes a factor of [tex]\( 10^{-3} \)[/tex] or [tex]\( \frac{1}{1000} \)[/tex] of the unit.
C) Deci - This prefix denotes a factor of [tex]\( 10^{-1} \)[/tex] which is [tex]\( \frac{1}{10} \)[/tex] of the unit.
D) Centi - This prefix denotes a factor of [tex]\( 10^{-2} \)[/tex] or [tex]\( \frac{1}{100} \)[/tex] of the unit.
Based on the definitions:
- Hecto means 100 times the unit, which is not [tex]\( \frac{1}{10} \)[/tex] of the unit.
- Milli means [tex]\( \frac{1}{1000} \)[/tex] of the unit, which is not [tex]\( \frac{1}{10} \)[/tex] of the unit.
- Deci means [tex]\( \frac{1}{10} \)[/tex] of the unit, which matches the requirement perfectly.
- Centi means [tex]\( \frac{1}{100} \)[/tex] of the unit, which is not [tex]\( \frac{1}{10} \)[/tex] of the unit.
Thus, the correct answer is:
C) Deci
