What principle is demonstrated in double-entry accounting?

The principle demonstrated in double-entry accounting is that every debit has a corresponding credit. This fundamental concept establishes that for every financial transaction recorded, there must be at least two entries: one debit entry and one credit entry of equal value. This ensures that the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) remains balanced, contributing to the accuracy and integrity of financial records.

This system also provides a comprehensive view of the company's financial situation, allowing for checks and balances that help prevent errors and fraud. By recording both sides of a transaction, double-entry accounting enables businesses to track their financial performance more effectively over time. This principle is crucial for maintaining accurate financial statements, which are essential for decision-making and reporting.

Other options do not reflect core principles of double-entry accounting. For example, only profits being recorded would undermine the validity of financial statements by ignoring losses and expenses. Similarly, the idea that expenses must always exceed revenues contradicts the principles of profitability and financial management. Finally, while real-time posting is an advanced feature of certain accounting software, it does not represent a principle of double-entry accounting itself, which is based on the accurate recording of debits and credits rather than the timing of those entries.