What does 1 hecto equal in terms of base units?

What does 1 hecto equal in terms of base units?

• A. 1 base unit
• B. 10 base units
• C. 100 base units
• D. 1000 base units

Answer: (C)

In the metric system, the prefix "hecto-" represents a factor of 100. Therefore, when you see "1 hecto," it indicates that you have 100 of the base unit being referenced. For instance, 1 hectometer is equivalent to 100 meters, and 1 hectoliter is equivalent to 100 liters. This relationship stems from the decadic structure of the metric system, where each prefix denotes a specific power of ten; in this case, "hecto-" corresponds specifically to \(10^2\), or 100. Hence, the correct answer is that 1 hecto equals 100 base units.

In the metric system, the prefix "hecto-" represents a factor of 100. Therefore, when you see "1 hecto," it indicates that you have 100 of the base unit being referenced. For instance, 1 hectometer is equivalent to 100 meters, and 1 hectoliter is equivalent to 100 liters. This relationship stems from the decadic structure of the metric system, where each prefix denotes a specific power of ten; in this case, "hecto-" corresponds specifically to (10^2), or 100. Hence, the correct answer is that 1 hecto equals 100 base units.