Final answer:
Bridget can purchase various combinations of chips and cookies to meet her goal of at least 12 snacks without exceeding her $40 budget, such as buying 8 bags of chips and 6 cookies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Budget for Party Snacks
Bridget is facing a classic budgeting problem. To plan for Chris's surprise party, she needs to purchase snack options within a certain budget. With a maximum budget of $40.00 and a goal of having at least 12 snacks, Bridget must calculate the combinations of chips, which cost $2.00 per bag, and cookies priced at $4.00 each, to not exceed her budget.
Let's explore how Bridget can allocate her funds effectively. For example, if she decides to buy only chips, she could purchase 20 bags ($2.00 x 20 bags = $40.00), giving her more than enough snack options. Conversely, if she opts for cookies only, she can afford 10 cookies ($4.00 x 10 cookies = $40.00), but that would not meet the requirement of 12 snacks. Therefore, a mix of these items is necessary to both meet the quantity requirement and stay within budget.
A feasible solution might involve buying 8 bags of chips (8 x $2.00 = $16.00) and 6 cookies (6 x $4.00 = $24.00), totaling $40.00 for 14 snack options. Bridget must apply similar reasoning, considering the prices and desired quantity, to find the right combination that satisfies her constraints.