1. **State the problem:** Given that $a - b = b - c = 2$, find the value of $$\frac{(a - b)^2 + (b - c)^2}{(a - c)^2}$$ 2. **Use the given information:** We know $$a - b = 2 \quad \text{and} \quad b - c = 2$$ 3. **Calculate the numerator:** $$(a - b)^2 + (b - c)^2 = 2^2 + 2^2 = 4 + 4 = 8$$ 4. **Find $a - c$:** Since $a - c = (a - b) + (b - c)$, substitute the values: $$a - c = 2 + 2 = 4$$ 5. **Calculate the denominator:** $$(a - c)^2 = 4^2 = 16$$ 6. **Form the fraction and simplify:** $$\frac{8}{16} = \frac{\cancel{8}^1}{\cancel{16}^2} = \frac{1}{2}$$ **Final answer:** $$\boxed{\frac{1}{2}}$$