Final answer:
Chris's method and Dani's method both result in a total cost of $140.00 for seven shirts and seven bags, neither method being superior. The choice between methods is a matter of preference or context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chris's method involves multiplying the cost of each shirt by seven and then multiplying the cost of each bag by seven, and afterwards, adding the two products together to find the total cost. An algebraic expression for this method can be written as 7 × (cost of shirt) + 7 × (cost of bag). In this specific case, with a tote bag cost of $7.40 and a t-shirt cost of $12.60, Chris's method would be:
Total cost = 7 × 12.60 + 7 × 7.40 = 88.20 + 51.80 = $140.00.
Assuming Dani's method is to first add the cost of a single shirt and single bag and then multiply by seven, the expression would be 7 × (cost of shirt + cost of bag). Using this method, we have:
Total cost = 7 × (12.60 + 7.40) = 7 × 20.00 = $140.00.
Both methods yield the same total cost, and thus neither method is 'better' than the other when it comes to calculating the total cost for seven shirts and seven bags. The choice between the two methods may depend on personal preference or the context in which the calculation is being made. As for whether they can afford these gifts would depend on the budget that Dani and Chris have set for themselves.