Final answer:
Li's total monthly expenses estimated by adding up the costs of room and board, car payment, gas, insurance, and miscellaneous expenses equal $1420, with the closest estimate being $1500 (option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
To estimate Li's total monthly expenses, you need to add up the individual expense categories provided and then compare the sum to the closest estimate given in the options. The categories and their respective costs are:
- Room and board: $572
- Car payment: $286
- Gas: $158
- Insurance: $107
- Miscellaneous expenses: $297
Adding these amounts together gives you:
$572 (room and board) + $286 (car payment) + $158 (gas) + $107 (insurance) + $297 (miscellaneous) = $1420
The closest estimate to $1420 is $1500, which is option a.