Answer:
Step 2 because Richard multiply the powers of same base in denominator instead adding powers of same base.
Step-by-step explanation:
We are given that Richard simplified an expression in threes steps
We have to find the incorrect step in simplification of Richard
Step 1: all the exponent are multiplied by 3
[tex]\frac{x^{-4}y^2}{yx^2\cdot x^2y^{-4}}^{3}=\frac{x^{-12}y^6}{y^3x^6\cdot x^6y^{-12}}[/tex]
Step 2:The exponents in the denominator are multiplied
[tex]\frac{x^{-12}y^6}{y^3x^6\cdot x^6 y^{-12}}=\frac{x^{-12}y^6}{x^{12}y^{-9}}[/tex]
Step 3:The exponents of the same base are subtracted during division
[tex]\frac{x^{-12}y^6}{x^{12}y^{-9}}=x^{-12-12}y^{6+9}[/tex]
[tex]=x^{-24}y^{15}[/tex]
Richard makes mistake in step 2 when we multiply then power of same base should be added but Richard multiply the powers of same base in denominator.
