x

1
x, squared, dot, x, start superscript, 1, end superscript

1 answer

x^2 * x^1 = x^(2+1) = x^3
exponents are just a short way of multiplying, just as multiplication is a short way of adding.
2x + x = (2+1)x = 3x

review the basic rules of exponents ...
also, how to type stuff so it's readable...