In order to lose a pound a week how many steps should one walk a day... being 5"6 female and now 186lbs...

Depends: Weight loss depends on calories eaten and burned. The number if steps needed depends on how much you eat. As an example (i don't recommend this!) you could walk a million steps and burn 10, 000 calories but you'll gain weight if you eat 10, 100 calories a day. On the flip side you could lose weight without moving if you fast. The best weight loss plans include a sensible diet ; exercise.

Calories adjusted: Traditionally, its suggested that to lose one pound you have to cut back eating 500 calories a day(3500 in a week) however, as you note, exercise is a critical aspect. Walking is a great way to be active, ; the mantra of "!0, 000 steps" a day can get you there. But it is not exact.Find the balance of eating sensibly and exercising regularly as a way of life. Losing weight slowly as described is good.