Question

Tom simplified an expression in three steps, as shown below:
x to the power of negative 2 multiplied by y to the power of 4, over y multiplied by x to the power of 4 multiplied by x to the power of 4 multiplied by y to the power of negative 2, the whole to the power of 4 equal to x to the power of 2 multiplied by y to the power of 8, over y to the power of 4 multiplied by x to the power of 8 multiplied by x to the power of 8 multiplied by y to the power of 2 equal to x to the power of 2 multiplied by y to the power of 8, over y to the power of 6 multiplied by x to the power of 16 equals x to the power of negative 14 times y to the power of 2.

Which is the first incorrect step and why?

Step 1: all the exponents are increased by 4
Step 2: the exponents of the same base are added during multiplication
Step 3: the exponents of the same base are subtracted during division
Step 3: all the exponents are added during division

Answer 1

What are you having trouble understanding, and if possible could you upload a picture/screenshot of the problem and any attachments that go with it?

Answer 2

i dont think it lets you upload things