0.316 in scientific notation

0.316 x 10 (-1) would be the scientific notation.

3.16*10^ (-1)

Imagine you move the decimal over one digit at a time, every time you move it to the by one place add one to the value of the exponent. If you made the number appear larger (as in this case) make the exponent negative; if you make it appear smaller (1444 to 1.444*10^3) make the exponent positive.