In mathematics, the prefix "deci-" is used to denote a factor of one-tenth or 0.1. It is derived from the Latin word "decimus," meaning tenth. The prefix deci- is commonly used in the metric system to indicate a unit that is one-tenth of the base unit.
The knowledge points related to deci- include:
Understanding the concept of fractions: Deci- represents a fraction with a denominator of 10, which means it is equivalent to dividing a whole into ten equal parts.
Conversion between deci- and other metric prefixes: It is important to understand the relationship between deci- and other metric prefixes, such as centi- (one-hundredth) and milli- (one-thousandth).
Decimal notation: Deci- can also be represented in decimal notation as 0.1.
The formula for deci- is straightforward:
1 deci- = 0.1
This equation represents the conversion factor between the base unit and the deci- unit.
To apply the deci- formula or equation, simply multiply the value by 0.1 to convert it to the deci- unit. For example, if you have a length of 50 centimeters and want to convert it to decimeters, you would multiply it by 0.1:
50 cm * 0.1 = 5 decimeters
The symbol for deci- is "d". It is commonly used in conjunction with the base unit symbol to represent the deci- unit. For example, the symbol for decimeter is "dm".
There are several methods for working with deci-:
Conversion: Deci- can be converted to other metric prefixes by multiplying or dividing by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert decimeters to centimeters, multiply by 10.
Addition and subtraction: When performing calculations involving deci-, it is important to ensure that all values are in the same unit. If not, convert them to the same unit before adding or subtracting.
Multiplication and division: When multiplying or dividing values with deci-, treat them as decimal numbers and perform the operation accordingly.
Example 1: Convert 35 milliliters to deciliters.
Solution: Since milli- represents one-thousandth and deci- represents one-tenth, we need to convert milliliters to deciliters. Using the conversion factor of 1 deciliter = 100 milliliters, we can set up the equation:
35 milliliters * (1 deciliter / 100 milliliters) = 0.35 deciliters
Therefore, 35 milliliters is equal to 0.35 deciliters.
Example 2: A rectangular box has dimensions of 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm. What is its volume in cubic decimeters?
Solution: To find the volume in cubic decimeters, we need to convert the dimensions to decimeters. Since 1 decimeter = 10 centimeters, we can use the conversion factor:
Volume = length * width * height
Volume = (20 cm * 10 decimeters/centimeter) * (30 cm * 10 decimeters/centimeter) * (40 cm * 10 decimeters/centimeter)
Volume = 20 decimeters * 30 decimeters * 40 decimeters = 24,000 cubic decimeters
Therefore, the volume of the rectangular box is 24,000 cubic decimeters.
Question: What does deci- mean in the metric system? Answer: In the metric system, deci- represents a factor of one-tenth or 0.1. It is used to denote a unit that is one-tenth of the base unit. For example, a decimeter is one-tenth of a meter.