Which of the following is a characteristic of value as it relates to the fundamental accounting equation?

• A. It must always increase over time.
• B. It is determined by the owner's personal opinion.
• C. It must be based solely on historical cost.
• D. It must be measurable in monetary terms.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the fundamental accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity. This equation is the foundation of financial accounting and reflects the financial position of a business.
2. Recognize that 'value' in accounting must be measurable in monetary terms. This ensures that all transactions and balances can be recorded and compared consistently in financial statements.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: 'It must always increase over time' is not true because values can decrease due to depreciation, losses, or other factors. 'It is determined by the owner's personal opinion' is incorrect because accounting values must be objective and standardized. 'It must be based solely on historical cost' is not entirely accurate, as accounting also uses fair value and other measurement bases.
4. Focus on the correct characteristic: 'It must be measurable in monetary terms.' This is essential for recording transactions and preparing financial statements, as accounting relies on quantifiable data.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is based on the principle of measurability, which ensures that financial information is reliable and comparable across periods and entities.