Final answer:
When Benito Mendez invests $5,000 in cash in Mendez Appraisals, the effect on the company's accounting equation is that Assets increase by $5,000 and Owner's Equity also increases by $5,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of Benito Mendez investing $5,000 in cash in Mendez Appraisals is that the Assets increase by $5,000, Owner's Equity increases by $5,000. This transaction has no effect on Liabilities because Benito Mendez is investing his own money, not borrowing it. Therefore, option b) Assets increase by $5,000, Owner's Equity increases by $5,000 is the correct answer choice.