To rent tablecloths from a rental vendor, there is an initial charge of $40. There is an additional charge of $5 per circular tablecloth (c) and $3.50 per rectangular tablecloth (r). Which of the following represents the total cost (T) to rent tablecloths?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The total cost (T) consists of the initial charge of $40 plus the additional charges based on the number of tablecloths. The correct expression for T is T = 5c + 3.5r + 40. This accounts for the $5 per circular tablecloth (5c), $3.50 per rectangular tablecloth (3.5r), and the initial $40 charge. Choice A is incorrect as it subtracts the initial charge instead of adding it. Choice C is also incorrect as it subtracts the initial charge and has the coefficients in the wrong positions. Choice D adds the initial charge at the end instead of at the beginning, making it incorrect. Therefore, choice B is the correct representation of the total cost to rent tablecloths.