1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $5^2 - 4(q)(-q + 3)$. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** Calculate exponents first, then multiplication, and finally addition or subtraction. 3. Calculate $5^2$: $$5^2 = 25$$ 4. Multiply $-4(q)(-q + 3)$: $$-4(q)(-q + 3) = -4q(-q + 3)$$ 5. Distribute $-4q$ inside the parentheses: $$-4q(-q) + (-4q)(3) = 4q^2 - 12q$$ 6. Substitute back into the expression: $$25 + 4q^2 - 12q$$ 7. The simplified expression is: $$4q^2 - 12q + 25$$