1. **Stating the problem:** We want to simplify the expression $$\frac{x^2 - 2x}{x - 2}$$ and check if it equals $$x$$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To simplify a rational expression, factor the numerator and denominator if possible, then cancel common factors. 3. **Factor the numerator:** $$x^2 - 2x = x(x - 2)$$. 4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$\frac{x(x - 2)}{x - 2}$$. 5. **Cancel common factors:** Since $$x - 2$$ appears in numerator and denominator, we can cancel it: $$\frac{x\cancel{(x - 2)}}{\cancel{(x - 2)}} = x$$ 6. **Important note:** This simplification is valid only if $$x \neq 2$$ because division by zero is undefined. 7. **Conclusion:** The expression simplifies to $$x$$ for all $$x \neq 2$$, so the statement is correct with this restriction.