1. **State the problem:** Expand and simplify the expression $$(6n - 5)^2$$. 2. **Recall the formula:** The square of a binomial $$(a - b)^2$$ is given by $$a^2 - 2ab + b^2$$. 3. **Identify terms:** Here, $$a = 6n$$ and $$b = 5$$. 4. **Apply the formula:** $$ (6n - 5)^2 = (6n)^2 - 2 \times 6n \times 5 + 5^2 $$ 5. **Calculate each term:** $$ (6n)^2 = 36n^2 $$ $$ -2 \times 6n \times 5 = -60n $$ $$ 5^2 = 25 $$ 6. **Combine all terms:** $$ 36n^2 - 60n + 25 $$ 7. **Final answer:** The expanded and simplified form of $$(6n - 5)^2$$ is $$36n^2 - 60n + 25$$.