This morning, Nucky Thompson borrowed $150,000 to buy a house. The mortgage rate is 7.35 percent. The loan is to be repaid in equal monthly payments over 20 years. The first payment is due one month from today. How much of the second payment applies to the principal balance?

a. $ 269

b. $ 278

c. $ 917

d. $ 926

e. $1,195