Question

Sierra says that she can simplify the left side of the inequality shown by combining the terms within the parentheses but that she​ can't do the same thing on the right side. Is Sierra​ correct? Explain.

4(-4 + 9) + 1 ≥ -2(y + 7) - 8

Answer 1

Answer: Yes, Sierra is correct.

Explanation:

The parenthesis on the left side is (-4+9). This can be combined because both terms are two constants. Constants are any terms in a algebraic equation or inequality whose value does not changed and is pre-defined. In this parenthesis, the answer would be 5.

The parenthesis on the right side contains one constant (7) and one variable (y). Since you can only combine like terms, y and 7 cannot be combined. Therefore, you cannot combine the right-side parenthesis.

So, Sierra is correct