Question

C4H4O62−(aq) + 2 MnO4−(aq) + 8 H3O+(aq) → 2 Mn2+(aq) + 4 CO2(g) + 14 H2O(l)
element being reduced
element being oxidized

I really do not understand how to do this at all

Answer 1

Oxidized is that which goes up in oxidation number. The Fe goes from +2 to +3. Reduced goes down. Mn goes from +7 to +2. The oxidizing agent gets reduced. Mn. The reducing agent gets oxidized.