1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$(12 - 8)^2 \times 2 \div 8$$ step by step using the order of operations. 2. **Apply parentheses first:** Calculate inside the parentheses. $$12 - 8 = 4$$ So the expression becomes: $$4^2 \times 2 \div 8$$ 3. **Evaluate the exponent:** Square 4. $$4^2 = 16$$ Expression now: $$16 \times 2 \div 8$$ 4. **Perform multiplication and division from left to right:** First multiply: $$16 \times 2 = 32$$ Expression now: $$32 \div 8$$ 5. **Divide:** $$\frac{32}{8} = 4$$ **Final answer:** $$4$$