A company's income statement showed the following: net income, $144,000; depreciation expense, $40,000; and gain on sale of plant assets, $14,000. An examination of the company's current assets and current liabilities showed the following changes as a result of operating activities: accounts receivable decreased $11,400; merchandise inventory increased $28,000; prepaid expenses increased $8,200; accounts payable increased $5,400. Calculate the net cash provided or used by operating activities.

a $155,000.

b $150,600.

c $161,800.

d $183,000.

e $157,000.