Answer:
=$46,500
Explanation:
Retained earning = beginning retained earning+ earnings - dividends.
For Pierson Industries
Beginning retained earnings is $42,000
revenues are $104,800
expenses $97,300
Dividends paid out $3,500
Earning for the period will be revenue minus expenses
=$104,800 - $97,300=$7,500
retained earnings are the end of the year will be
= $42,500+$7,500 -$3,500
=$50,000 -$3,500
=$46,500