What is the value of one centi- in terms of powers of ten?

The prefix "centi-" denotes a factor of one hundredth, which can be expressed mathematically as 1/100. In terms of powers of ten, this can be rewritten as (10^{-2}).

When you break down the value, dividing by 100 means you are effectively shifting the decimal point two places to the left, which corresponds to using a negative exponent in scientific notation. Therefore, 1 centi- equals (10^{-2}). This understanding is key in various scientific and engineering contexts, including the Navy Nuclear field, where precise measurements and conversions are crucial.

By grasping these basic metric prefixes and their corresponding powers of ten, students can navigate a wide range of applications in calculations involving measurements, ensuring accuracy in their work.