write an equation or inequality to represent the sum of a number y and 17 is at most 36

y + 17 ≤ 36

To represent the given situation mathematically, we can write the equation as:

y + 17 ≤ 36

To write an equation or inequality to represent the given scenario, let's break it down. The sum of a number y and 17 means that we need to add y and 17 together. The phrase "is at most 36" indicates that the result should be less than or equal to 36.

So, we can write the equation as:
y + 17 ≤ 36

In this inequality, the symbol "≤" represents "less than or equal to." Therefore, the equation y + 17 ≤ 36 represents the sum of a number y and 17 being at most 36.