1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $(-2 - x)^2$. 2. **Recall the formula:** The square of a binomial $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. 3. **Apply the formula:** Here, $a = -2$ and $b = -x$. $$(-2 - x)^2 = (-2)^2 + 2 \times (-2) \times (-x) + (-x)^2$$ 4. **Calculate each term:** - $(-2)^2 = 4$ - $2 \times (-2) \times (-x) = 4x$ - $(-x)^2 = x^2$ 5. **Combine the terms:** $$4 + 4x + x^2$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$x^2 + 4x + 4$$ This is the expanded and simplified form of $(-2 - x)^2$.