Final answer:
Using the simple interest formula, Ariane is charged $50 in interest and the total amount she has to pay back is $550 after 2 years, thus Option 1: '$50 interest, $550 total' is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves calculating simple interest for a loan. To find the interest charged on a loan, we can use the simple interest formula: Interest (I) = Principal (P) × Rate (R) × Time (T). In Ariane's case, the principal is $500, the rate is 5% per year, and the time is 2 years.
First, convert the interest rate from a percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100: R = 5% ÷ 100 = 0.05.
Next, apply the simple interest formula: I = $500 × 0.05 × 2.
Now, multiply to find the total interest: I = $50 of interest over 2 years.
To determine the total amount to be paid back, add the principal to the interest: Total = Principal + Interest = $500 + $50 = $550. Therefore, Option 1 is correct: Ariane is charged $50 in interest and the total she has to pay back is $550.