Write the follow phrases as algebraic expressions

the product of TWO consecutive numbers when the smaller number is y.

two consecutive numbers are 1 number apart. If the smaller number is y, then the next one is y+1.
The product of those two is y*(y+1) or y^2+y

y = first number
y + 1 = second number

y(y + 1)

y(y+1)

or

y²+y

I'd go with the first one, because its factored.