1. **State the problem:** Multiply out and simplify the expression $ (x + 3)(x - 2) $. 2. **Formula used:** To multiply two binomials, use the distributive property (also known as FOIL method for binomials): $$ (a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd $$ 3. **Apply the formula:** $$ (x + 3)(x - 2) = x \cdot x + x \cdot (-2) + 3 \cdot x + 3 \cdot (-2) $$ 4. **Calculate each term:** $$ = x^2 - 2x + 3x - 6 $$ 5. **Combine like terms:** $$ = x^2 + ( -2x + 3x ) - 6 $$ $$ = x^2 + x - 6 $$ 6. **Final answer:** $$ \boxed{x^2 + x - 6} $$