To calculate retained earnings: Net income - dividends paid to shareholders.
Step 1: Begin with the net income of $12,000 and subtract dividends paid of $7,000.
Net income $12,000 - $7,000 dividends = $5,000
Step 2: Add retained earnings balance and $5,000 (net income from step 1)
$32,000 + $5,000 = $38,000
Step 3: Subtract depreciation from balance in Step 2
$38,000 - depreciation $3,000= $35,000