Final answer:
The correct algebraic expression that represents 2 less than 18 times a number is 18x - 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
To write an algebraic expression that represents 2 less than 18 times a number, we start by identifying 'a number' as our variable, commonly denoted as x. Now, '18 times a number' translates to 18x. Finally, to express '2 less than' this quantity, we subtract 2 from it, which gives us 18x - 2. Therefore, the correct algebraic expression is 18x - 2.