1/64=16^2a

Question

4^-3=(2^4)^2a
4^-3=2^8a
-3=8a
-3/8=a

I don't understand what I'm doing incorrectly can some please explain to me,in detail

Answer 1

you cannot equate exponents unless the bases are the same

4^-3 = (4^2)^2a
4^-3 = 4^4a
-3 = 4a
a = -3/4

or

4^-3 = 16^2a
2^-6 = 2^8a
-6 = 8a
a = -3/4

Answer 2

I got the answer thank you