Answer:$3000 to be subtracted from retain earnings
Step-by-step explanation:
The. change in method of valuation of stock is a change in accounting policy which will have a retrospective effect from the year the change take place that is applied to transactions as if it has always been in use unless it not possible to determine the past effects of the change.
From the above scenario the closing stock was valued at $45,000 instead of $54,000 this is undervaluation of closing stock which means the profit was understated by $9000 and to correct will add $9000 to retained earnings.
in 2007 the closing stock was valued as $78,000 instead of $71,000 this means stock was overvalued by $7000 and profit overstated by $7000 to correct will subtract $7000 from retained earnings.
In 2008 closing stock was valued at $83,000 instead of $78,000 this means closing stock was overvalued by $5000 and profit overstated by $5000, to correct subtract $5000 from retained earnings.
Cummulatively it's $9000-$7000-$5000=- $3000