Peter O'Toole Is a New Accountant with First Step Company

question 237

Essay

Peter O'Toole is a new accountant with First Step Company. First Step purchased merchandise on account for $18000. The credit terms are 2/10 n/30. Peter has talked with the company's banker and knows that he could earn 5% on any money invested in the company's savings account.
Instructions
(a) Should Peter pay the invoice within the discount period or should he keep the $18000 in the money market account and pay at the end of the credit period? Support your recommendation with a calculation showing which action would be best.
(b) If Peter forgoes the discount it may be viewed as paying an interest rate of 2% for the use of $18000 for 20 days. Calculate the annual rate of interest that this is equivalent to.

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Definitions:

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Preparatory Reaction

A phase in cellular respiration where pyruvate from glycolysis is converted into acetyl-CoA, enabling the next steps in energy production.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process in which cells break down sugars to generate energy in the form of ATP, involving pathways like glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

Carbon Dioxide

Originating from the combustion of carbonaceous materials and the process of respiration, this gas lacks color and smell. It is a naturally existing element of air that plants use in photosynthesis.