FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What is the equivalent of 1/10 meter (m)?

1. Centimeter

2. Decimeter

3. Millimeter

4. Meter

The correct answer is: Decimeter

The equivalent of 1/10 meter is a decimeter. The metric system is structured around powers of ten, where each unit is a decimal multiple or fraction of a meter. A decimeter is defined as one-tenth of a meter, which directly corresponds to 1/10 meter. This clarity in conversion helps to easily transition between different metric units. For example, 1 meter equals 10 decimeters, highlighting that each decimeter holds a precise and straightforward relationship with the meter. In contrast, a centimeter, which is one-hundredth of a meter, and a millimeter, which is one-thousandth of a meter, represent smaller divisions and do not correspond to 1/10 meter. Lastly, the unit meter itself does not serve to represent a fraction, making decimeters the appropriate equivalent for 1/10 of a meter.