Final answer:
To convert a number into scientific notation, count the number of places needed to move the decimal point and multiply the number by 10 raised to the appropriate exponent.
Step-by-step explanation:
To convert a number into scientific notation, you need to count the number of places needed to move the decimal point to make the number between 1 and 10. Then, multiply the number by 10 raised to the power of the number of places you moved the decimal point. If the decimal point is moved to the left, the exponent is positive; if it is moved to the right, the exponent is negative.
For example, if the original number is 3.1 x 10^5, the coefficient is 3.1 and the exponent is 5. Therefore, the number in scientific notation is 3.1 x 10^5.