1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $x^2 \cdot x \cdot x^6$. 2. **Recall the rule for multiplying powers with the same base:** When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: $$a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$$ 3. **Apply the rule:** Here, the base is $x$ for all terms, so add the exponents: $$x^2 \cdot x^1 \cdot x^6 = x^{2+1+6}$$ 4. **Simplify the exponent sum:** $$2 + 1 + 6 = 9$$ 5. **Final simplified expression:** $$x^9$$ This means the product of $x^2$, $x$, and $x^6$ is $x^9$.