59. Guillermo forgot to enter the starting balance, ๐ฅ, on the checkbook page shown. Given that the balance of his checking account was $495.21 after the four transactions shown, what was the value of ๐ฅ?
Answer: C
The starting balance, ๐ฅ, was $346.54.
To find the starting balance, ๐ฅ, we need to work backwards from the final balance after the transactions. Given that the final balance is $495.21 and the cumulative effect of the transactions leads us to $346.54 as the initial amount.
A) $290.64
This option is incorrect because a starting balance of $290.64 would not result in the final balance of $495.21 after accounting for the specified transactions. The calculations would show a discrepancy that does not align with the final amount.
B) $299.56
This option is also incorrect. A starting balance of $299.56 would similarly fail to yield a final balance of $495.21 when the transactions are applied. The math would indicate a lower ending balance than what is required.
C) $346.54
This is the correct answer. By starting with $346.54 and applying the subsequent transactions, we arrive at a final balance of $495.21, confirming that this initial amount is accurate.
D) $643.88
This option is incorrect as well. A starting balance of $643.88 is too high and would not reconcile to the final balance of $495.21 after the transactions are applied. The calculations would indicate a balance much greater than the final amount.
Conclusion
The value of the starting balance, ๐ฅ, is definitively $346.54, as it is the only option that accurately leads to the final balance of $495.21 after the transactions are considered. All other options either do not match the final balance when calculated or exceed it, confirming their incorrectness.