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To simplify the expression \((3x^3 - 2)(x^2 + 4)\), we will use the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials).
1. Distribute \(3x^3\) to both terms in the second polynomial:
\[
3x^3 \cdot x^2 = 3x^5
\]
\[
3x^3 \cdot 4 = 12x^3
\]
2. Distribute \(-2\) to both terms in the second polynomial:
\[
-2 \cdot x^2 = -2x^2
\]
\[
-2 \cdot 4 = -8
\]
Now, combine all the terms together:
\[
3x^5 + 12x^3 - 2x^2 - 8
\]
Thus, the simplified expression is:
\[
3x^5 + 12x^3 - 2x^2 - 8
\]
Looking at the options provided, we see that this is equivalent to option **.
So the final answer is:
**A: \(3x^5 + 12x^3 - 2x^2 - 8\)**