To simplify the expression \((5x - 0.2)^2\), we can use the formula for the square of a binomial, which states that \((a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2\).
Here, \(a = 5x\) and \(b = 0.2\).
Now, applying the formula:
Calculate \(a^2\): \[ (5x)^2 = 25x^2 \]
Calculate \(-2ab\): \[ -2 \cdot (5x) \cdot 0.2 = -2 \cdot 5 \cdot 0.2 \cdot x = -2 \cdot 1 \cdot x = -2x \]
Calculate \(b^2\): \[ (0.2)^2 = 0.04 \]
Putting it all together, we have: \[ (5x - 0.2)^2 = 25x^2 - 2x + 0.04 \]
So, the simplified expression is: \[ 25x^2 - 2x + 0.04 \]