A local city charter allows council members to serve 2 years longer than a mayor. If a mayor serves for y years

Question

What is the algebraic equation

Answer 1

"2 years longer than y" is simply 2+y.  It is usually written as y+2.

 

The word "allows" implies that it is possible, but not required.  Thus, a council member's years of service (assign the variable s) can be less than or equal to the mayor's years of service.  In that case the expression would be:   s ≤ y + 2.

 

Since you asked for "the algebra equation," it is:  s = y + 2     (and s is the most years a council member may serve).