Decimal multiples Metric system

in metric system, multiples , submultiples of units follow decimal pattern, concept identified possibility in 1586 simon stevin, flemish mathematician had introduced decimal fractions europe. done @ cost of losing simplicity associated many traditional systems of units division 3 not result in awkward fractions; example 1 third of foot 4 inches, simplicity in 1790 debated, rejected originators of metric system. in 1854, in introduction proceedings of [british] decimal association, mathematician augustus de morgan summarised advantages of decimal-based system on non-decimal system thus: in simple rules of arithmetic, practice pure decimal system, interrupted entrance of other system: column column never carry tens .

a common set of decimal-based prefixes have effect of multiplication or division integer power of ten can applied units large or small practical use. concept of using consistent classical (latin or greek) names prefixes first proposed in report [french revolutionary] commission on weights , measures in may 1793. prefix kilo, example, used multiply unit 1000, , prefix milli indicate one-thousandth part of unit. kilogram , kilometre thousand grams , metres respectively, , milligram , millimetre 1 thousandth of gram , metre respectively. these relations can written symbolically as:

1 mg = 0.001 g
1 km = 1000 m

in days, multipliers positive powers of ten given greek-derived prefixes such kilo- , mega-, , negative powers of ten given latin-derived prefixes such centi- , milli-. however, 1935 extensions prefix system did not follow convention: prefixes nano- , micro-, example have greek roots. during 19th century prefix myria-, derived greek word μύριοι (mýrioi), used multiplier 7004100000000000000♠10000.

when applying prefixes derived units of area , volume expressed in terms of units of length squared or cubed, square , cube operators applied unit of length including prefix, illustrated below.

prefixes not used indicate multiples of second greater 1; non-si units of minute, hour , day used instead. on other hand, prefixes used multiples of non-si unit of volume, litre (l, l) such millilitres (ml).

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