Here's how to get there:

* Start with the number: 33,000,000,000

* Move the decimal point: To get a number between 1 and 10, move the decimal point 10 places to the left.

* The exponent: Since you moved the decimal 10 places to the left, the exponent is 10.

* Combine the parts: 3.3 x 10¹⁰