1. **State the problem:** Rewrite the expression $8 \cdot 8^6$ using a single exponent. 2. **Recall the exponent rule:** When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: $$a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$$ 3. **Apply the rule:** Note that $8$ can be written as $8^1$, so: $$8 \cdot 8^6 = 8^1 \cdot 8^6$$ 4. **Add the exponents:** $$8^{1+6} = 8^7$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$8^7$$