1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times x$. 2. **Recall the rule:** Multiplying the same number repeatedly is expressed as an exponent. For example, $a \times a \times a = a^3$. 3. **Apply the rule:** Here, $2$ is multiplied 4 times, so $2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 2^4$. 4. **Calculate the power:** $2^4 = 16$. 5. **Include the variable:** The expression becomes $16 \times x$ or simply $16x$. **Final answer:** $$16x$$