1. **State the problem:** Evaluate $(-2)^3 \times (-2)^2$ and express the answer as an integer. 2. **Recall the property of exponents with the same base:** When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: $$a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$$ 3. **Apply the property:** Here, the base is $-2$, so $$(-2)^3 \times (-2)^2 = (-2)^{3+2} = (-2)^5$$ 4. **Calculate $(-2)^5$:** $$(-2)^5 = (-2) \times (-2) \times (-2) \times (-2) \times (-2)$$ 5. **Evaluate step-by-step:** $$(-2) \times (-2) = 4$$ $$4 \times (-2) = -8$$ $$-8 \times (-2) = 16$$ $$16 \times (-2) = -32$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{-32}$$