Beta Company expects to begin operating on January 1. The company's master budget contained the following operating expense budget: January February March Salary expense $ 40,000 $ 36,000 $ 36,000 Sales commissions, 5% of sales 24,000 30,000 28,000 Utilities 2,800 2,800 2,800 Depreciation on store equipment 1,800 1,800 1,800 Rent 7,200 7,200 7,200 Miscellaneous 1,800 1,800 1,800 Total operating expenses $ 77,600 $ 79,600 $ 77,600 Sales commissions are paid in cash in the month following the month in which the expense is recognized. All other expense items requiring cash payment are paid in the month in which they are recognized. The amount of cash to be paid for operating expenses during the month of January is: A. $53,600. B. $51,800. C. $77,600. D. None of the answers are correct.