During August, the first month of the fiscal year, sales totaled $875,000 and the cost of merchandise available for sale totaled $850,000. Estimate the cost of the inventory as of August 31, based on an estimated gross profit rate of 45%.

Gross Profit Rate

The gross profit rate, also known as gross profit margin, is the ratio of gross profit (sales minus cost of goods sold) to sales, expressed as a percentage.

Merchandise Available

The total quantity of goods available for sale, including beginning inventory plus purchases made during the period.

Estimated Gross Profit

An approximate calculation of a company's gross profit, predicted based on past data and future projections.