The cost of merchandise sold during the year was $45,000. Merchandise inventories were $13,500 and $10,500 at the beginning and end of the year, respectively. Accounts payable were $7,000 and $5,000 at the beginning and end of the year, respectively. Using the direct method of reporting cash flows from operating activities, cash payments for merchandise total A. $46,000 B. $44,000 C. $40,000 D. $50,000