What does the prefix 'centi' represent in scientific notation?

The prefix 'centi' represents a factor of (10^{-2}) in scientific notation. This means that when you see a measurement with the prefix 'centi-', it indicates that the unit is one hundredth of the base unit. For example, if you have one centimeter (cm), it means that you have one hundredth of a meter (m).

This designation is standardized in the metric system, where prefixes are used to denote specific powers of ten, making it easier to express and communicate measurements in a consistent way. In contrast, other options represent different powers of ten: (10^{-1}) signifies 'deci', (10^{-3}) is 'milli', and (10^{-4}) is not commonly used as a standalone prefix but is part of larger metrics. Hence, 'centi' specifically aligns with (10^{-2}).