When multiplying terms with the same base but different exponents, add the exponents. For example, x6 * x8 = x14 since 6 + 8 = 14. If the terms have coefficients, multiply the coefficients normally and add the exponents of like bases. Variables cannot be combined if they are not the same, such as xy3 * x2y4 = x3y7, where the x and y exponents are kept separate.