1. **State the problem:** Calculate the definite integral $$\int_{-2}^{2} (1 - 5x^4) \, dx$$. 2. **Recall the formula:** The definite integral of a function $f(x)$ from $a$ to $b$ is given by $$\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = F(b) - F(a)$$ where $F(x)$ is an antiderivative of $f(x)$. 3. **Find the antiderivative:** For $f(x) = 1 - 5x^4$, the antiderivative is $$F(x) = \int (1 - 5x^4) \, dx = \int 1 \, dx - 5 \int x^4 \, dx = x - 5 \cdot \frac{x^5}{5} + C = x - x^5 + C$$. 4. **Evaluate the definite integral:** $$\int_{-2}^{2} (1 - 5x^4) \, dx = F(2) - F(-2) = (2 - 2^5) - (-2 - (-2)^5)$$ Calculate powers: $$2^5 = 32, \quad (-2)^5 = -32$$ Substitute: $$= (2 - 32) - (-2 - (-32)) = (2 - 32) - (-2 + 32) = -30 - 30 = -60$$. 5. **Interpretation:** The value of the integral is $$-60$$, which represents the net area under the curve $1 - 5x^4$ from $x = -2$ to $x = 2$. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{-60}$$