1. The problem is to multiply $2x$ by $x$. 2. Recall that when multiplying terms with the same base, you add the exponents: $x^1 \times x^1 = x^{1+1} = x^2$. 3. Multiply the coefficients: $2 \times 1 = 2$. 4. Combine the coefficient and the variable part: $2x^2$. Final answer: $2x^2$