Which of the following is an alternate form of the fundamental accounting equation?

• A. Assets - Liabilities = Owner's Equity
• B. Owner's Equity - Assets = Liabilities
• C. Assets + Liabilities = Owner's Equity
• D. Liabilities = Assets + Owner's Equity

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by recalling the fundamental accounting equation, which is: Assets = Liabilities + Owner's Equity. This equation represents the relationship between a company's resources (assets) and the claims against those resources (liabilities and owner's equity).
2. Step 2: To derive alternate forms of the fundamental accounting equation, rearrange the equation algebraically. For example, subtract 'Liabilities' from both sides to get: Assets - Liabilities = Owner's Equity.
3. Step 3: Similarly, subtract 'Assets' from both sides to derive another alternate form: Owner's Equity - Assets = -Liabilities. This form is less common but still mathematically valid.
4. Step 4: Check the other options provided in the problem. For example, 'Assets + Liabilities = Owner's Equity' is incorrect because it does not align with the fundamental accounting equation.
5. Step 5: Finally, verify each option against the original equation to ensure it is mathematically consistent. The correct alternate form is: Assets - Liabilities = Owner's Equity.