Answer:
Net Purchases = Cost of goods sold - Decrease in Inventory
= $308,000 - $16,500
= $291,500
Cash paid to Suppliers = Net Purchases + Decrease in accounts Payable
= $291,500 + $13,500
= $305,000
The summary entry is as follows:
Merchandise Inventory A/c Dr. $291,500
Accounts payable A/c Dr. $13,500
To cash $305,000
(To record the amount of cash paid to merchandise suppliers during 2018)