What are the steps to convert a number from standard notation to scientific notation?

Step-by-step explanation:

The goal in scientific notation is to express a value in terms of a number that contains a single unit before the decimal point.  

Examples:

10000:  1.0 x 10^4

23456:  2.3456x10^4

In both cases, the x10^4 is telling us to multiply the first number by 10,000.  10^4 is the same as 10x10x10x10 = 10,000

The justification for scientific notation is that is makes expression large and small numbers much easier, as well as reduces errors due to an incorrectly placed decimal.

An example:  Divide 2500000000 by 5000.  That would normally require setting up a long-hand division problem that not only wastes paper and pencil, but is also prone to decimal point errors.

Do the same problem with scientific notation:

Count the places you want to move the decimal point backwards to just beyond the 5 in 2500000000.  It takes nine steps to move the decimal point to between the 2 and 5:  2.5 followed by 8 zeros.  That's a total of next steps to go in front of the 5.  This is written 2.5 x 10^9

5000 is represented by 5.0x10^4

Now when we divide the same numbers, but in scientific format, it is easier to see the

(2.5x10^9)/(5.0x10^4)

2.5/5 = 0.5

10^9/10^4 = 10^5  [The exponents are subtracted when dividing with exponents:  9-4 = 5]

Put them together to find the final  0.5x10^5

Then move the decimal point one spot to the right and reduce the exponent by 1:

5.0x10^4

Add exponents when multiplying:  10^3 x 10^5 = 10^8  (3+5=8)

Subtract when dividing:  10^7/10^2 = 10^5  (7-2=5)

Multiply when there is an exponent raised to another exponent:  (10^4)^3 = 10^12 (4x3 = 12)