To solve the problem, we need to interpret the expression \( r - 2 \) where \( r \) represents the number of no-hitters pitched by Nolan Ryan. Let's break it down step-by-step:
1. Identify the value of \( r \):
- Historical data indicates that Nolan Ryan pitched 7 no-hitters in his Major League Baseball career. So, we have \( r = 7 \).
2. Substitute \( r \) into the expression \( r - 2 \):
- Substituting 7 for \( r \) in the expression \( r - 2 \), we get:
[tex]\[
r - 2 = 7 - 2
\][/tex]
3. Evaluate the expression:
- Perform the subtraction:
[tex]\[
7 - 2 = 5
\][/tex]
4. Interpret the result:
- The result is 5. This means that the expression \( r - 2 \) represents a pitcher who has pitched 5 no-hitters.
Therefore, if [tex]\( r \)[/tex] represents the number of no-hitters Nolan Ryan pitched, the expression [tex]\( r - 2 \)[/tex] represents the number of no-hitters pitched by an unnamed pitcher who has 5 no-hitters to their name.
