Simplify the Expression: 2^a × 2^2 Using Exponent Rules

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

• Step 1: Identify the common base
• Step 2: Apply the property of exponents
• Step 3: Simplify the expression

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The problem gives us the expression $2^a \times 2^2$. Here, the common base is 2.
Step 2: We'll apply the property of exponents, which states that for the same base, you add the exponents: $b^m \times b^n = b^{m+n}$. In this case, it will be $2^{a+2}$.
Step 3: Rewriting the expression using this rule, we get: $2^a \times 2^2 = 2^{a+2}$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $2^{a+2}$.