Final answer:
Determining where a mistake occurred in the factoring process requires reviewing specific steps taken, such as identifying factors, expanding expressions, applying the quadratic formula, or simplifying coefficients, while keeping exponent rules in mind.
Step-by-step explanation:
Without the specific example to review, it is difficult to determine exactly where the mistake occurred in the factoring process. Generally, errors in factoring a quadratic equation (A) can relate to incorrectly identifying the factors that multiply to give the constant term and add to give the coefficient of the linear term. Expanding an expression (B) can also be a source of errors if the distributive property is not applied correctly. Solving for roots using the quadratic formula (C) can involve mistakes if the formula is not applied properly or if arithmetic mistakes are made. Simplifying coefficients (D) can be incorrectly done if the rules of exponents are not followed accurately. The important aspect is to understand the rules for dealing with exponents in the context of factoring and operating on polynomial expressions.