1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $ (2 - x)^2 $. 2. **Recall the formula:** The square of a binomial $ (a - b)^2 $ is given by the formula $$ (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2 $$ 3. **Apply the formula:** Here, $a = 2$ and $b = x$, so $$ (2 - x)^2 = 2^2 - 2 \times 2 \times x + x^2 $$ 4. **Calculate each term:** $$ 2^2 = 4 $$ $$ -2 \times 2 \times x = -4x $$ 5. **Write the simplified expression:** $$ 4 - 4x + x^2 $$ 6. **Final answer:** The simplified form of $ (2 - x)^2 $ is $$ \boxed{4 - 4x + x^2} $$