1. **State the problem:** Compute the value of the expression $$8 \cdot (2^2 - 4)^2 - 5$$. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** First, evaluate exponents, then parentheses, then multiplication, and finally subtraction. 3. **Evaluate inside the parentheses:** $$2^2 = 4$$ So, $$2^2 - 4 = 4 - 4 = 0$$ 4. **Square the result inside the parentheses:** $$(0)^2 = 0$$ 5. **Multiply by 8:** $$8 \cdot 0 = 0$$ 6. **Subtract 5:** $$0 - 5 = -5$$ **Final answer:** $$-5$$