1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$(12 - 8)^2 \times 2 \div 8$$ step-by-step using the order of operations. 2. **Apply the order of operations (PEMDAS):** Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right). 3. **Evaluate inside the parentheses:** $$12 - 8 = 4$$ So the expression becomes: $$4^2 \times 2 \div 8$$ 4. **Calculate the exponent:** $$4^2 = 16$$ Expression now: $$16 \times 2 \div 8$$ 5. **Multiply:** $$16 \times 2 = 32$$ Expression now: $$32 \div 8$$ 6. **Divide:** $$\frac{\cancel{32}}{\cancel{8}} = 4$$ **Final answer:** $$4$$