Which of the following algebraic expressions can be used to express the statement "five less than y squared?"

5 - 2y

2y - 5

y2 - 5

5 - y2

five less than y squared is equivalent to: y^2 - 5

This is because y squared is (y^2) and the five is subtracted by the y^2, since the term "less than" is used which is why it is ( - 5).