Final answer:
To endorse her paycheck for cashing, Maria Alvarez needs to sign her name on the back of the check in the designated endorsement area, ensuring her signature matches the name on the front of the check.
Step-by-step explanation:
To properly endorse Maria Alvarez's paycheck for cashing at her bank, she needs to complete a simple process on the back of the check. The standard procedure for endorsing a check is to write, "For Deposit Only," followed by her bank account number, and then her signature beneath these lines. However, because she intends to cash this check, Maria should endorse it by simply signing her name on the back of the check in the designated area. This signature should match the name printed on the front of the check to validate the endorsement. If Maria were to endorse the check as "For Deposit Only" without her signature, this would restrict the check's use solely for deposit into her account. But since the goal is to cash it, just a straight endorsement with her signature is required.