The expression given is $(y - 2)^2$, and we are asked to rewrite it without parentheses and simplify.

This is a binomial square, so we apply the formula for squaring a binomial:

$(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$

In this case, $a = y$ and $b = 2$. Applying the formula:

$(y - 2)^2 = y^2 - 2(2)(y) + 2^2$ $= y^2 - 4y + 4$

So, the simplified expression is:

$y^2 - 4y + 4$

Would you like any further details or clarifications?

Here are some related questions:

1. How do you expand $(y + 3)^2$?
2. What is the general formula for expanding $(a + b)^2$?
3. How would you simplify $(y - 5)^2$?
4. Can you apply the same technique to expand $(y - 1)^2$?
5. What is the expanded form of $(x - 4)^2$?

Tip: Always apply the binomial expansion formula when squaring terms like $(a - b)^2$ to avoid mistakes in simplification.