One way to characterize the difference between positive statements and normative statements is as follows: a. Positive statements tend to reflect optimism about the economy and its future, whereas normative statements tend to reflect pessimism about the economy and its future. b. Positive statements offer descriptions of the way things are, whereas normative statements offer opinions on how things ought to be. c. Positive statements involve advice on policy matters, whereas normative statements are supported by scientific theory and observation. d. Economists outside of government tend to make normative statements, whereas government-employed economists tend to make positive statements.

Exercise 4-9presented below is information related to martinez corp. for the year 2017.net sales $1,399,500 write-off of inventory due to obsolescence $80,440cost of goods sold 788,200 depreciation expense omitted by accident in 2016 43,600selling expenses 65,800 casualty loss 53,900administrative expenses 53,500 cash dividends declared 43,300dividend revenue 22,100 retained earnings at december 31, 2016 1,042,400interest revenue 7,420 effective tax rate of 34% on all items exercise 4-9 presented below is information relateexercise 4-9 presented below is information relate prepare a multiple-step income statement for 2017. assume that 61,500 shares of common stock are outstanding. (round earnings per share to 2 decimal places, e. g. 1.49.)prepare a separate retained earnings statement for 2017. (list items that increase retained earnings first.)