Question

If xy represents a positive two-digit number, where x and y are single digit integers, which of the following CANNOT be true?​

Answer 1

Answer:

A. x + y = 9

B. xy = 9

C. x – y = 9

D. y – x = 9

E. x/y = 9

Here is a problem from a practice test. Can someone explain how the test taker is supposed to know that "If xy represents a positive two-digit number" does NOT mean that X times Y represents a positive two-digit number? Ex. The questions means that 5 &4 means 54 not 5x4=20. This is an easy question once you get passed this but I was tricked and thought it meant multiplication which led me down the wrong road. I know even with my misunderstanding of the given that you can come up with the answer anyway, but I know there is an issue with my understand of the wording and I hope to not make careless mistakes like this again. If someone could shed some light on this issue it would be much appreciated!!!!!!! :) Is it represents vs. equals?