The expression ( x^2 - 6x - 40 ) is a quadratic polynomial. It can be factored to find its roots or solutions by using the quadratic formula or factoring methods. Specifically, it can be factored as ( (x - 10)(x + 4) ), revealing that the solutions to the equation ( x^2 - 6x - 40 = 0 ) are ( x = 10 ) and ( x = -4 ).