Final answer:
Sierra is correct that terms within the parentheses can be combined when simplifying inequalities; however, she can do this on both sides of the inequality by distributing the coefficients across the terms in the parentheses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sierra is partially correct in her statement. When simplifying an inequality such as 4(y + 7) > -3 (4 + 5), it is possible to combine the terms within the parentheses on both sides of the inequality. On the right side, -3 (4 + 5) can be simplified by multiplying -3 by both 4 and 5, resulting in -3*4 + (-3)*5, which simplifies to -12 -15, and further to -27. Similarly, on the left side, the term 4(y + 7) can be simplified by distributing the 4 across the terms within the parentheses, resulting in 4*y + 4*7, which simplifies to 4y + 28.
You can combine terms within parentheses when simplifying expressions or inequalities through the process of distribution. Eliminate terms wherever possible to simplify the algebra and always check the answer to see if it is reasonable.