Which of the following numbers should you multiply the basic metric unit by if the prefix is giga?

• A. 10^9
• B. 10^3
• C. 10^6
• D. 10^{12}

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metric prefixes represent powers of ten that multiply the base unit to express larger or smaller quantities.
2. Recall the common metric prefixes and their corresponding powers of ten: kilo (10^3), mega (10^6), giga (10^9), tera (10^{12}), etc.
3. Identify the prefix 'giga' and match it to its power of ten, which is 10^9.
4. Confirm that multiplying the basic metric unit by 10^9 scales it up by a billion times, consistent with the meaning of 'giga'.
5. Therefore, the number you multiply the basic metric unit by when the prefix is 'giga' is 10^9.