To square the number 85 (or raise it to the power of 2), you calculate:

$85^2 = 85 \times 85$

Let's perform the multiplication step by step:

1. Multiply the units digit of 85 by itself: $5 \times 5 = 25$ Write down 5 and carry over 2.

2. Multiply the tens digit of 85 by the units digit, and add the carryover: $8 \times 5 + 2 = 40 + 2 = 42$ Write down 2 and carry over 4.

3. Multiply the units digit of 85 by the tens digit: $5 \times 8 = 40$ Write down 0 and carry over 4.

4. Multiply the tens digit of 85 by itself, and add the carryover: $8 \times 8 + 4 = 64 + 4 = 68$

Putting it all together:

$85^2 = 7225$

So, the square of 85 is 7225.

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