1. The problem asks: When multiplying powers with the same base, you ________ the exponents. 2. The rule for multiplying powers with the same base is: $$a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$$ 3. This means you add the exponents when the bases are the same. 4. For example, if you have $2^3 \times 2^4$, you add the exponents: $$2^{3+4} = 2^7$$ 5. So the correct answer is: **add** the exponents.