1. The problem asks to write the phrase "A number less 41" as a variable expression using $x$ to represent "a number." 2. The phrase "less" means subtraction, so "a number less 41" means we subtract 41 from the number $x$. 3. The correct expression is therefore $x - 41$. 4. The other options $41x$, $\frac{41}{x}$, and $41 - x$ do not correctly represent "a number less 41." 5. Hence, the answer is $x - 41$.