1. **Stating the problem:** Simplify the expression $(x^2)^3 \times x^2$. 2. **Formula used:** When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents: $\left(a^m\right)^n = a^{m \times n}$. 3. **Apply the formula:** $$ (x^2)^3 = x^{2 \times 3} = x^6 $$ 4. **Multiply the terms with the same base:** When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: $$ x^6 \times x^2 = x^{6+2} = x^8 $$ 5. **Final answer:** $$ x^8 $$ This means the simplified form of $(x^2)^3 \times x^2$ is $x^8$.