Which of the following represents a business operating expense?

A business operating expense encompasses the ongoing costs for running a business, which can include various categories of expenses. Each of the choices provided falls under this definition.

Salaries represent the cost of compensating employees for their work, which is a fundamental aspect of operating any business, as it directly influences productivity and service delivery.

Rent is another crucial operating expense, as most businesses require a physical space to operate, whether it's an office, a store, or a factory. The rent paid for using this space is a regular ongoing cost that affects the business's financial health.

Software licenses are also considered operating expenses, particularly for businesses that rely on digital tools and platforms for their daily operations. The costs associated with obtaining and maintaining software licenses are essential for the productivity and efficiency of a modern business.

Since salaries, rent, and software licenses are all necessary expenditures that support the core operations of a business, they collectively qualify as operating expenses. Hence, the answer includes all of the above as valid representations of business operating expenses.