Add exponents only when the bases are the same and the terms are being multiplied
Use the rule: a^m × a^n = a^(m+n)
Keep the base the same
Add the exponents
Example: x^2 × x^5 = x^7
Example: 3^4 × 3^2 = 3^6
If the bases are different, do not add the exponents
If the terms are being added, do not combine the exponents
Example: x^2 + x^5 cannot be simplified by adding exponents