16. \( a^{3 x} \times a^{2 x} \)

Did you know that when you multiply exponents with the same base, you simply add their powers? So, for your expression \( a^{3x} \times a^{2x} \), you would combine the exponents to get \( a^{(3x + 2x)} \), which simplifies to \( a^{5x} \)! It’s like putting together two puzzle pieces to reveal a bigger picture. For a fun twist, you can also think about it in terms of real-world applications—say you're working with a population that grows exponentially. If one factor contributes \( a^{3x} \) and another contributes \( a^{2x} \), by combining them, you can assess the overall impact on the population growth: \( a^{5x} \). It's a neat way to visualize exponential growth in nature or economics!