A company's Inventory balance at 12/31/16 was $188,000 and $200,000 at 12/31/15. Its Accounts Payable balance at 12/31/16 was $84,000 and $80,000 at 12/31/15, and its cost of goods sold for 2016 was $720,000. The company's total amount of cash payments for merchandise in 2016 equals: a. $720,000. b. $728,000. c. $712,000. d. $704,000. e. $736,000.