Answer:
$ 288,000
Explanation:
Data provided:
The rate of markup on the cost = 25%
Account balance available in the inventory = $ 440,000
Purchases = $ 344,000
Purchase returns = $ 16,000
Therefore, Net purchase = Purchases - Purchase returns
= $ 344,000 - $ 16,000 = $ 328,000
Total sales during March = 600,000
Thus,
the cost of the products = 600,000 / 1.25 = $ 480,000
Hence,
cost of inventory = Account balance available in the inventory + Net purchase - cost of sold products
or
cost of inventory = $ 440,000 + $ 328,000 - $ 480,000 = $ 288,000