Which of the following correctly lists the metric prefixes kilo-, centi-, milli-, and micro- in order from largest to smallest?

• A. centi-, kilo-, milli-, micro-
• B. kilo-, milli-, centi-, micro-
• C. kilo-, centi-, milli-, micro-
• D. micro-, milli-, centi-, kilo-

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the values of the metric prefixes in terms of powers of ten: kilo- means \$10^{3}\(, centi- means \)10^{-2}\(, milli- means \)10^{-3}\(, and micro- means \)10^{-6}$.
2. Compare the magnitudes of these prefixes by their powers of ten to determine their relative sizes from largest to smallest.
3. Order the prefixes starting with the largest power of ten (kilo-, \$10^{3}\(), followed by centi- (\)10^{-2}\(), then milli- (\)10^{-3}\(), and finally micro- (\)10^{-6}$).
4. Verify that this order matches the sequence: kilo-, centi-, milli-, micro-.
5. Conclude that the correct order from largest to smallest is kilo-, centi-, milli-, micro-.