1. The problem is to verify the expression $8 \times 8 = 5 + 3$ eights and simplify it. 2. The expression $8 \times 8$ means multiplying 8 by 8. 3. The right side says $5 + 3$ eights, which means $5 \times 8 + 3 \times 8$. 4. Using the distributive property: $$8 \times 8 = (5 + 3) \times 8 = 5 \times 8 + 3 \times 8$$ 5. Calculate each term: $$5 \times 8 = 40$$ and $$3 \times 8 = 24$$ 6. Add the results: $$40 + 24 = 64$$ 7. Therefore, $$8 \times 8 = 64$$ which confirms the original expression. Final answer: $64$