Which metric prefix indicates a factor of 10?

• A. milli-
• B. centi-
• C. kilo-
• D. deca-

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metric prefixes represent specific powers of 10, which are used to denote multiples or fractions of units.
2. Recall the common metric prefixes and their corresponding factors: for example, milli- means \$10^{-3}\(, centi- means \)10^{-2}\(, kilo- means \)10^{3}\(, and deca- means \)10^{1}$.
3. Identify that the question asks for the prefix that indicates a factor of exactly 10, which corresponds to \$10^{1}$.
4. Match the prefix deca- to the factor \$10^{1}$, confirming it is the correct answer.
5. Note that other prefixes like milli-, centi-, and kilo- represent different powers of 10 and therefore do not fit the requirement.