An eight$-$year capital lease specifies equal minimum annual lease payments. Part of this payment represents

interest and part represents a reduction in the net lease liability. The portion of the minimum lease payment in

the fourth year applicable to the reduction of the net lease liability should be

a$.$ the same as in the third year.

b$.$ less than in the third year.

c$.$ less than in the fifth year.

d$.$ more than in the fifth year.