To expand the expression \((3a - 2)^2\), we can use the formula for the square of a binomial, which is \((x - y)^2 = x^2 - 2xy + y^2\).
Here, \(x = 3a\) and \(y = 2\).
Using the formula:
\[ (3a - 2)^2 = (3a)^2 - 2(3a)(2) + 2^2 \]
Now, calculating each term:
- \((3a)^2 = 9a^2\)
- \(-2(3a)(2) = -12a\)
- \(2^2 = 4\)
Putting it all together:
\[ (3a - 2)^2 = 9a^2 - 12a + 4 \]
So, the expanded form of \((3a - 2)^2\) is \(\boxed{9a^2 - 12a + 4}\).