1. A company has an inventory period of 60 days, an accounts payable period of 30 days, and an accounts receivable period of 45 days. How long is the company's cash cycle? Generally speaking, how could this company decrease its cash cycle?

2. There are three types of secured inventory loans. Discuss the similarities and differences between them.

3. The Beta Company has a beginning cash balance of $428 on February 1. The firm has projected sales of $550 in January, $700 in February, and $800 in March. The cost of goods sold is equal to 65% of sales. Goods are purchased one month prior to the month of sale. The accounts payable period is 30 days and the accounts receivable period is 15 days. The firm has monthly cash expenses of $200. What is the projected ending cash balance at the end of February? Assume that every month has 30 days.

4. Your supplier grants you credit terms of 2/10, net 35 (a 2.00% discount). What is the effective annual rate of the discount if you purchase $2,900 worth of merchandise?