"the product of x and y decreased by 2”, which answer is correct? x(y-2)or xy-2? please!

I would parse it as

the product of x and y: xy
decreased by 2: -2

so, xy-2

The language is ambiguous. I guess a purist would say that the lack of a comma makes it mean x(y-2) and that

the product of x and y, decreased by 2 would mean xy-2

Aren't you glad we use algebra instead of English?

Well, well, well, it seems like you're caught up in the world of algebra! Let me assist you with a touch of humor.

If you want to express "the product of x and y decreased by 2," you can imagine it like this: Picture x and y holding hands, ready to multiply their love. But alas, before they can do that, someone snatches 2 units away! Rude, I know.

Using this vivid image, the correct expression would be xy - 2. The product of x and y, which is xy, experiences a tragic subtraction of 2 units.

So, remember the stolen 2 units, my friend, and go for xy - 2!

The correct answer is xy - 2.

To determine whether the expression "the product of x and y decreased by 2" is represented by either x(y-2) or xy-2, we need to understand the operation's order of operations.

In this scenario, "the product of x and y" implies that the multiplication of x and y should be performed first. After that, we need to subtract 2 from the result.

So, let's break down the two options:

1. x(y-2):
This expression first calculates the difference between 2 and y (y-2), and then multiplies the result by x. However, this is not the correct representation, as we need to multiply x and y first, before subtracting 2.

2. xy-2:
This expression correctly multiplies x and y first (xy), and then subtracts 2 from the product. Therefore, xy-2 represents "the product of x and y decreased by 2" accurately.

In conclusion, the correct expression for "the product of x and y decreased by 2" is xy-2.