Step 1: Identifying the expansion.
The expansion of \( a + bx \) will result in terms of the form \( ax^r \). The coefficient of \( x^r \) is found by using the general form of the expansion and applying the binomial theorem.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The coefficient of \( x^r \) is \( (1 - r) a - br \), corresponding to option (3).