How many millimeters are in 1 centimeter?

To determine the number of millimeters in 1 centimeter, it is essential to understand the metric system's base units and their conversions. The metric system is based on powers of ten, making conversions straightforward.

By definition, 1 centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters. This relationship is rooted in the metric prefixes, where "centi-" denotes a factor of one hundredth (1/100). Therefore, when you move from centimeters to millimeters, you are multiplying by 10, since there are 10 millimeters in every centimeter.

This fundamental conversion is not only useful for understanding measurements in everyday contexts but is also a critical skill in scientific settings where precision is essential. The correct answer reflects this basic conversion from centimeters to millimeters, aligning with the standard metric relationships.