1. **State the problem:** Write as a single logarithm: $$\log_5(x^2) + \log_5(3)$$ 2. **Recall the Product Property of Logarithms:** $$\log_a(MN) = \log_a M + \log_a N$$ which means the sum of two logarithms with the same base is the logarithm of the product of their arguments. 3. **Apply the property:** $$\log_5(x^2) + \log_5(3) = \log_5(x^2 \cdot 3)$$ 4. **Simplify the argument:** $$\log_5(3x^2)$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{\log_5(3x^2)}$$ This expresses the sum as a single logarithm using the product property.