Crane, Inc. estimates the cost of its physical inventory at March 31 for use in an interim financial statement. The rate of markup on cost is 25%. The following account balances are available: Inventory, March 1 $538000 Purchases 418000 Purchase returns 8000 Sales during March 714000 The estimate of the cost of inventory at March 31 would be

The estimated Inventory is $376,000.00, which is equal to the difference between cost of goods available for sale and cost of goods sold.

Explanation:

The cost of goods available for sale is made of Beginning Inventory $538,000 and Net Purchases $410,000 (418,000 Purchase - 8,000 Purchase Returns).

The cost of goods sold is 100% of Sales of $714,000, using a markup on cost of 25%.  This implies that Sales represent 100+25%, = 125%.

Cost of goods sold is therefore $714,000/125 x 100, which is equal to $571,200.

A summary of Trading Account is attached to illustrate the above workings.

answerreactive approach;

riley- $3

sean- $4

jake- $8

riley has the absolute advantage.