The cost of merchandise sold during the year was $50,000. Merchandise inventories were $12,500 and $10,500 at the beginning and end of the year, respectively. Accounts payable were $6,000 and $5,000 at the beginning and end of the year, respectively. Using the direct method of reporting cash flows from operating activities, cash payments for merchandise total:. a. $47,000
b. $51,000
c. $53,000
d. $49,000