Incomplete records

Completing an incomplete records question is like completing a jigsaw puzzle – except that you have to create some of the pieces. Although such questions often look complicated, a simple methodology can be applied. To carry on with the jigsaw analogy, the methodology can be broken down into a few steps:

1. put the pieces with straight edges in place
2. find and place any pieces which are easily identified
3. identify the gaps
4. fill in the gaps
5. complete the picture.

If you find jigsaws difficult, you’ll be relieved to know that these techniques are much easier to apply to incomplete records questions than to jigsaws!

Pieces with straight edges
The accounting equation (see Figure 1), which provides the basis for all bookkeeping might be thought of as the most important of the pieces with straight edges.

Figure 1: The accounting equation