1. **State the problem:** Verify whether the equation $2 \times (5 \times 2) = (2 \times 5) \times 2$ holds true. 2. **Evaluate the left-hand side (LHS):** Calculate inside the parentheses first: $$5 \times 2 = 10$$ Now multiply by 2: $$2 \times 10 = 20$$ 3. **Evaluate the right-hand side (RHS):** Calculate inside the parentheses first: $$2 \times 5 = 10$$ Now multiply by 2: $$10 \times 2 = 20$$ 4. **Compare both sides:** LHS $= 20$ RHS $= 20$ Since both sides are equal, the equation holds true. **Final answer:** The equation $2 \times (5 \times 2) = (2 \times 5) \times 2$ is true.