The variables X, Y, and Z represent polynomials where X = a, Y = 3a – 5, and Z = a2 + 2. What is X2Y – Z in simplest form?

Since X = a, X² = a². Substitute the expressions for X, Y, and Z: X²Y − Z = a²(3a − 5) − (a² + 2). Distribute and combine like terms: 3a³ − 5a² − a² − 2 = 3a³ − 6a² − 2, which is choice B.

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