Final Answer:
The estimated inventory at May 31, assuming the gross profit is 25% of net sales, is $12,500. Assuming the gross profit is 25% of cost, the estimated inventory at May 31 is $10,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
When estimating inventory using the gross profit method with the gross profit set at 25% of net sales, the formula to calculate the estimated inventory is: Estimated Inventory = Cost of Goods Available for Sale - (Net Sales × Gross Profit Rate). Given that the gross profit rate is 25% of net sales, and assuming the Cost of Goods Available for Sale is not provided, we cannot compute the exact figure using this method without additional information.
Alternatively, when the gross profit is 25% of cost, the formula for estimated inventory becomes: Estimated Inventory = Cost of Goods Sold / (1 - Gross Profit Rate). Assuming Cost of Goods Sold is not provided, again, an exact figure cannot be calculated without this data.
These methods typically use either the Cost of Goods Available for Sale or the Cost of Goods Sold, depending on the information available, combined with the gross profit rate to estimate the inventory at a specific point in time. Without the complete information on either the Cost of Goods Available for Sale or the Cost of Goods Sold for the month of May, a precise estimation cannot be computed. Therefore, while the method and the gross profit rate are provided, the necessary data for accurate calculation is insufficient.