What is a typical mistake made when simplifying exponents?

A common error in exponent simplification is adding exponents when multiplying terms with the same base, instead of multiplying the bases. For example, when calculating x^2 * x^3, some might incorrectly write x^(2*3) = x^6. The correct rule is to add the exponents: x^2 * x^3 = x^(2+3) = x^5.