Here's how we get there:

1. Move the decimal point: Move the decimal point to the right until you have a number between 1 and 10. In this case, we move it five places to the right, giving us 5.16.

2. Count the moves: The number of places you moved the decimal point determines the exponent of 10. Since we moved it five places to the right, the exponent is -5.

3. Write in scientific notation: Combine the number and the exponent of 10 to get 5.16 x 10⁻⁵.