How to simplify exponents with different bases (simple problem)

Specifically,
3^10 X 9^8.

Could you please explain the steps involved in finding the answer?I already know the answer is 3^26. The question is, how?

I think it's relating to 3^2=9 but I'm confused about what to do after that.

As you say 9 = 3^2.
So 9^8 = (3^2)^8 and the rule is (x^m)^n = x^(m*n)
giving 9^8 = (3^2)^8 = 3^(2*8) = 3^16
Finally,
3^10*9^8 = 3^10*3^16 and the rule is x^n*x^m = x^(n + m)
giving
3^10*9^8 = 3^(10 + 16) = 3^26

3^10 × 9^8 -------- make base same using 9 = 3²
= 3^10 × 3^2^8
= 3^10 × 3^16
= = 3^26
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(3^10) * (9^8) = (3^10) * (3^2)^8 = (3^10) * 3^(2 * 8) = (3^10) * (3^16) = 3^(10 +16) = 3^26.