1. **State the problem:** Calculate the value of the expression $$2^3 + 5(-2)^2$$. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** We first evaluate exponents, then multiplication, and finally addition. 3. **Evaluate each term:** - Calculate $$2^3$$ which means $$2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8$$. - Calculate $$(-2)^2$$ which means $$(-2) \times (-2) = 4$$. 4. **Multiply:** - Multiply 5 by the result of $$(-2)^2$$: $$5 \times 4 = 20$$. 5. **Add the results:** - Add $$2^3$$ and $$5(-2)^2$$: $$8 + 20 = 28$$. **Final answer:** $$28$$.