Which of the following is a financial statement that presents a business's accounting equation?

• A. Balance Sheet
• B. Statement of Retained Earnings
• C. Statement of Cash Flows
• D. Income Statement

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the accounting equation: The accounting equation is Assets = Liabilities + Equity. This equation is the foundation of financial accounting and represents the relationship between a company's resources and the claims on those resources.
2. Identify the purpose of each financial statement: The Balance Sheet presents the financial position of a business at a specific point in time, showing its assets, liabilities, and equity. The Statement of Retained Earnings shows changes in retained earnings over a period. The Statement of Cash Flows reports cash inflows and outflows. The Income Statement summarizes revenues and expenses to show net income or loss.
3. Determine which financial statement directly reflects the accounting equation: The Balance Sheet is structured to present the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) by listing all assets, liabilities, and equity accounts.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The Statement of Retained Earnings, Statement of Cash Flows, and Income Statement do not directly present the accounting equation. They provide other financial information but do not summarize the relationship between assets, liabilities, and equity.
5. Conclude that the Balance Sheet is the financial statement that presents a business's accounting equation, as it directly reflects the relationship between assets, liabilities, and equity.