Final answer:
Each of the twelve items provided can be matched to one of ten interrelated elements that represent various aspects of a business's performance and financial status, demonstrating the intricate financial structures of enterprises.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the ten interrelated elements that measure the performance and financial status of an enterprise, the items provided can be linked to these elements as follows:
- a) Gains: Arises from peripheral or incidental transactions.
- b) Liabilities: Obligation to transfer resources arising from a past transaction.
- c) Investments by owners: Increases ownership interest.
- d) Distributions to owners: Declares and pays cash dividends to owners.
- e) Revenues: Increases in net assets in a period from nonowner sources.
- f) Assets: Items characterized by service potential or future economic benefit.
- g) Comprehensive income: Equals increase in assets less liabilities during the year, after adding distributions to owners and subtracting investments by owners.
- h) Revenues: Arises from income statement activities that constitute the entity's ongoing major or central operations.
- i) Equity: Residual interest in the assets of the enterprise after deducting its liabilities.
- j) Revenues: Increases assets during a period through sale of product.
- k) Treasury stock transactions (not explicitly listed among the elements but commonly associated): Decreases assets during the period by purchasing the company's own stock.
- l) Comprehensive income: Includes all changes in equity during the period, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.
A balance sheet employs a T-account format to represent assets, liabilities, and equity, ensuring assets always equal liabilities plus net worth. These concepts are crucial for understanding the financial health and activity of a business.