Here's why:
* Syllabification is about sound, not writing: Syllables are determined by how a word is spoken, not how it is written. The way a word is divided into syllables can vary depending on the pronunciation and context.
* No standard symbol: There's no universally accepted symbol for representing syllables.
* Different uses: Some dictionaries or educational materials may use a dot (·) or a hyphen (-) to show syllable breaks, but these are not always consistent.
Instead of focusing on a symbol, consider these points:
* Sound it out: Listen to the word "prefix" and identify where the natural pauses occur.
* Identify vowel sounds: Syllables usually contain one vowel sound. "Pre" has one vowel sound, and "fix" has one vowel sound.
* Consider the rules: There are general rules for dividing words into syllables (like "keep the consonants together" or "divide between a single consonant and a double consonant").
So, the best way to understand the syllables in "prefix" is to say it aloud and pay attention to how your mouth naturally divides the word.