Final answer:
The correct description for the equation y = x² - 1 is C) The y-value is 1 less than the square of the x-value, as it accurately reflects the operation to find y from x in the equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct description of the equation y = x² - 1 is: The y-value is 1 less than the square of the x-value. This corresponds to option C. When you square the x-value, and then subtract 1, you get the y-value. So, for every x, you perform x² (x squared) and then subtract 1 to find the corresponding y.
Options A and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the operation sequence in the equation. Option B is incorrect as it describes the operation sequence in reverse and inaccurately states that the x-value minus 1 equals the square of the y-value, which is not represented in the given equation.