1. A coefficient: This is a number between 1 and 10 (but not including 10). It represents the significant digits of the original number.
2. A base: This is always 10. It represents the power of ten that the coefficient is being multiplied by.
3. An exponent: This is an integer that indicates how many times the base (10) is multiplied by itself. It determines the magnitude or size of the number.
Example:
* 3.5 x 104
* Coefficient: 3.5
* Base: 10
* Exponent: 4
