1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$- 5^2 - (-0.02 + 1.1) \times 4.3 + 2$$. 2. **Recall order of operations:** Calculate exponents first, then parentheses, then multiplication, and finally addition/subtraction. 3. Calculate $$5^2$$: $$5^2 = 25$$ 4. Simplify inside the parentheses: $$-0.02 + 1.1 = 1.08$$ 5. Multiply by 4.3: $$1.08 \times 4.3 = 4.644$$ 6. Substitute back into the expression: $$- 25 - 4.644 + 2$$ 7. Perform the subtraction and addition step-by-step: $$- 25 - 4.644 = -29.644$$ $$-29.644 + 2 = -27.644$$ 8. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{-27.644}$$