Final answer:
Without detailed transaction information or inventory list, it is impossible to state what inventory was purchased in transaction b. The references provided seem related to financial terms and imply a business or economic context, suitable for a college level course.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "What inventory was purchased in transaction b?" appears to be asking for information related to a business transaction. However, the provided information does not supply sufficient details to accurately determine what inventory was purchased. The references to balance of payments, balance of trade, balance sheet, and other financial terms suggest that the context of the question is grounded in a business or economic setting, possibly in relation to company financial statements or economic measures.
For a precise answering, more context or specific financial data would be needed, such as the actual transaction details or inventory lists. With the information given about mergers and other economic terms, we can infer that the question may pertain to an accounting class or a course dealing with financial transactions in a business setting.