I don't even know how to begin to answer this as there is no information or example of this kind of problem in the normal chapter. I wonder if I simply don't understand the question that is being asked here.

Quote:

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The supplies and the supplies expense accounts at December 31, after adjusting entries have been posted at the end of the first year of operations, are shown in the following T accounts:

_____SUPPLIES_____
Bal. 279|

____SUPPLIES EXPENSE____
Bal. 1,261|

Determine the amount of supplies purchased during the year.

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Could someone please give me at least some idea of what a proper answer would look like?

Thank you.

How many supplies were purchased during the year?

The formula is as follows:

Beginning Inventory + Purchases – What you sold (aka Supplies Expense) = Ending Inventory

Beginning Inventory = 0 (b/c this is its first year, meaning they just started)
Purchases = we are trying ti find that out
Supplies Expense = 1,261
Ending Inventory = 279

0 + Purchases – 1261 = 279
Purchases = 1,540