The entire expression is a

total amount of money that he should pay if he has not used his duty free exemption is $98

step-by-step explanation:

given a united states citizen returning to the states declares the following items at the customs office: 3 shirts at $8.50 each 2 dresses at $27.50 each 1 pair of gold cuff links at $17.50 per pair. we have to find how much he pay

cost of 3 shirts if one cost at $8.50 is

cost of 2 dresses if one cost at $27.50 is  

cost of 1 pair of gold cuff at $17.50

so, total amount of money that he should pay if he has not used his duty free exemption is   $25.5+$55+$17.50=$98