Why is marketing essential to a free market economy? a. because it allows companies to compete against each other. b. because it is mandated by law in order to sell goods and services. c. because it uses advertising and promotions to educate the consumer about products. d. because historically all businesses have practiced it.

Acompany that uses the periodic inventory system provided the following information: 1. beginning inventory $ 5 comma 0002. purchases $ 150 comma 0003. purchase discounts $ 2 comma 1004. purchase returns and allowances $ 1 comma 000at the end of the period, the physical count of inventory reveals that $ 16 comma 000 worth of inventory is on hand. what is the amount of cost of goods sold?