Question 105557
When you multiply exponential expressions of the same base you add the exponents.
Like in this example,
{{{x^M*x^N=x^(M+N)}}}
{{{y^(3/8)*(y^(-3/8) + 9y^(5/8))}}}
{{{y^(3/8)*(y^(-3/8) + 9y^(5/8))=y^(3/8)*(y^(-3/8)) + y^(3/8)*(9y^(5/8))}}} Distributive property.
{{{y^(3/8)*(y^(-3/8) + 9y^(5/8))=y^(3/8-3/8) + 9y^(3/8+5/8)}}} Exponent addition rule from above. 
{{{y^(3/8)*(y^(-3/8) + 9y^(5/8))=y^(0)+9y^(1)}}}Simplify.
{{{y^(3/8)*(y^(-3/8) + 9y^(5/8))=1+9y}}}Final answer, remember {{{y^0=1}}}.
Your answer is 2. 
Which step or steps did you get caught on?