Final answer:
When the variable m in Ricardo's cost equation c = 30m + 70 increases, the total cost increases as well, since each month adds $30 to the total.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the number of months (m) increases in Ricardo's fitness center membership cost equation (c = 30m + 70), the total cost (c) also increases. This is because each additional month adds an extra $30 to the total cost.
The $70 sign-up fee is a fixed cost and remains the same regardless of how many months of membership Ricardo purchases. Therefore, as m increases, the correct statement is that the total cost increases.