Answer:
A) $704,000.
Explanation:
For computing the cash payments we need to calculate the following amounts which are as follows
Total purchases = cost of goods sold + ending inventory - opening inventory
= $720,000 + $188,000 - $200,000
= $708,000
Now cash payment to merchandise is
= Beginning account payable balance + purchased made - ending account payable balance
= $80,000 + $708,000 - $84,000
= $704,000
Hence, the correct option is A. $704,000