Question: User: $(-2x)^2 x^4$
1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$(-2x)^2 x^4$$.
2. **Recall the rules:** When raising a product to a power, raise each factor to that power: $$ (ab)^n = a^n b^n $$.
3. **Apply the power:** $$(-2x)^2 = (-2)^2 \cdot x^2 = 4x^2$$.
4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$4x^2 \cdot x^4$$.
5. **Use the product of powers rule:** $$x^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b}$$.
6. **Add the exponents:** $$x^2 \cdot x^4 = x^{2+4} = x^6$$.
7. **Final simplified expression:** $$4x^6$$.