The given function is $f(x) = (x-2)^2 + 5$ defined on the closed interval $[-3, 2]$.
To find the critical points, we calculate the derivative $f'(x)$ and set it to zero: $$f'(x) = 2(x-2) = 0$$ This gives $x = 2$. Since $x = 2$ is an endpoint of the interval, we evaluate the function at the critical point and the boundaries.
We evaluate $f(x)$ at $x = -3$ and $x = 2$: $$f(-3) = (-3-2)^2 + 5 = (-5)^2 + 5 = 25 + 5 = 30$$ $$f(2) = (2-2)^2 + 5 = 0 + 5 = 5$$
Comparing the values $f(-3) = 30$ and $f(2) = 5$, the absolute minimum value is $5$.
Final Answer: 5
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