1. **State the problem:** Calculate the value of $$4^2 + (5 - 2)^2$$. 2. **Recall the formula and rules:** The expression involves squaring numbers and addition. Squaring a number means multiplying it by itself, e.g., $$a^2 = a \times a$$. 3. **Calculate each term:** - Calculate $$4^2$$: $$4^2 = 4 \times 4 = 16$$. - Calculate the expression inside the parentheses: $$5 - 2 = 3$$. - Then square the result: $$3^2 = 3 \times 3 = 9$$. 4. **Add the squared terms:** $$4^2 + (5 - 2)^2 = 16 + 9 = 25$$. 5. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{25}$$