Final answer:
Kelso should record the new equipment for financial accounting purposes at a total amount of $238,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
When recording an exchange of assets, such as in this case where Kelso Company acquired new equipment, the company should record the new equipment at its fair value. In this scenario, the fair value of the old equipment being exchanged was $56,000.
Additionally, Kelso paid $182,000 in cash for the new equipment, which was priced at $252,000.
Therefore, Kelso should record the new equipment for financial accounting purposes at a total amount of $238,000 ($56,000 fair value + $182,000 cash paid).