
When tackling complex reasoning tasks, you have access to the following actions. Use them as needed to progress through your thought process.

[ASSESS]

[ADVANCE]

[VERIFY]

[SIMPLIFY]

[SYNTHESIZE]

[PIVOT]

[OUTPUT]

You should strictly follow the format below:

[ACTION NAME]

# Your action step 1

# Your action step 2

# Your action step 3

...

Next action: [NEXT ACTION NAME]


system
In the expression $xy^2$, the values of $x$ and $y$ are each decreased by 50%. What is the new value of the expression in terms of its original value?
A) Increased $\frac{1}{2}$ of its original value
B) Decreased $\frac{7}{8}$ of its original value
C) Decreased $\frac{1}{8}$ of its original value
D) No change in its original value

Present the answer in LaTex format: \boxed{Your answer}
user