(1)) Which expression represents the total cost for Ari to rent a bike for \( b \) hours and Meg to rent a scooter for \( s \) hours? \begin{tabular}{|c|}\hline \( 9+10 \cdot b+s \) \\ \( (9+b)+(10+s) \) \\ \( 9 b+10 s \)\end{tabular}

To determine the total cost for Ari and Meg, we need to break down the costs associated with their rentals. If Ari rents a bike for \( b \) hours at a rate of $10 per hour plus an initial fee of $9, and Meg rents a scooter for \( s \) hours at $10 per hour as well, the correct expression should represent the sum of their total costs. This gives us the total cost as \( 9 + 10b + 10s \), but since that option is not listed, we should focus on the correct interpretation. The correct expression in your options would be \( 9 + 10b + s \) if we assume the $10 is being incorrectly referenced for Meg, indicating the \( (9 + b) + (10 + s) \) is incorrect because it misrepresents the hourly rate for both, therefore there's a mix-up with the provided options. Now onto some interesting background! The concept of renting vehicles like bikes and scooters has its roots in urban mobility solutions dating back to the early 20th century. Initially, bike rentals were a way for city dwellers without access to cars to explore their cities easily. Over time, this evolved with the advent of scooters and electric bikes, especially as cities became more focused on eco-friendly solutions to combat pollution and traffic congestion. Moreover, ridesharing services and e-scooters have mushroomed in recent years, providing not just practical transportation choices but also fostering a new economy for short trips, thus transforming how we perceive mobility today.