Final answer:
The correct expression for the cost to rent a bicycle for a trip of k kilometres is 3.45 + 0.85k, combining a flat rental rate with a variable rate per kilometre.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cost to rent a bicycle is comprised of a flat rate plus a variable rate that depends on the distance traveled. The flat rate is the initial cost of renting the bicycle, which is $3.45. Then, for each kilometre the bicycle is ridden, there is an additional cost of $0.85. To find the total rental cost for a trip of k kilometres, we multiply the cost per kilometre ($0.85) by the number of kilometres ridden (k), and then add the flat rate ($3.45).
The expression that represents the total rental cost is:
3.45 + 0.85k
Therefore, the correct answer is b) 3.45 + 0.85k.