The statement asks for an inequality describing a quantity $t$ that is greater than $-5$ and less than 4. This means we want to express the condition $-5 < t < 4$, which states that $t$ is between $-5$ and 4, not inclusive of the endpoints.

Looking at the answer choices:

• A. $-5 < t > 4$: This is incorrect because it is not a valid mathematical expression. It tries to compare $t$ with two values incorrectly.
• B. $-5 > t > 4$: This is incorrect because it implies $t$ is less than $-5$ and less than 4, which is not the desired condition.
• C. $-5 \leq t \leq 4$: This is incorrect because it implies $t$ can be equal to $-5$ and 4, but the problem asks for $t$ to be strictly between them.
• D. $-5 < t < 4$: This is correct. It matches the description perfectly.
• E. $-5 \leq t \geq 4$: This is incorrect because it suggests $t$ could be equal to both $-5$ and greater than 4, which is not possible.

Therefore, the correct answer is D: $-5 < t < 4$.

Do you have any questions or need further explanation?

Here are 5 follow-up questions for practice:

1. How would you write an inequality for a number $x$ that is greater than or equal to 2 but less than 8?
2. What does it mean if an inequality uses $\leq$ instead of $<$?
3. Can you graph the solution to the inequality $-5 < t < 4$?
4. What is the difference between strict inequalities and non-strict inequalities?
5. How would you solve an inequality like $3x + 2 > 8$?

Tip: When solving inequalities, always remember that flipping the inequality sign is necessary when multiplying or dividing by a negative number!