The metric system is based on multiples of what number?

The metric system is based on multiples of what number?

• A. Multiples of 20
• B. Multiples of 10
• C. Powers of 5
• D. Powers of 3

Answer: (B)

The metric system is decimal, meaning everything scales by powers of ten. That’s why prefixes like kilo-, centi-, and milli- line up with tens: 1 kilometer is 1000 meters, 1 meter is 100 centimeters, and 1 liter is 1000 milliliters. Because conversions are just moving the decimal place by factors of ten, calculations stay simple and consistent across very large or very small amounts. This is why multiples of ten are the basis. The other options don’t fit the system: using multiples of 20, or powers of 5 or 3, wouldn’t align with the decimal prefixes and would make converting between units awkward.

The metric system is decimal, meaning everything scales by powers of ten. That’s why prefixes like kilo-, centi-, and milli- line up with tens: 1 kilometer is 1000 meters, 1 meter is 100 centimeters, and 1 liter is 1000 milliliters. Because conversions are just moving the decimal place by factors of ten, calculations stay simple and consistent across very large or very small amounts.

This is why multiples of ten are the basis. The other options don’t fit the system: using multiples of 20, or powers of 5 or 3, wouldn’t align with the decimal prefixes and would make converting between units awkward.