Which of the following best describes an expenditure?

The choice that best describes an expenditure is an expense that represents the amount needed to be paid out. This definition captures the essence of what an expenditure entails in financial terms. Expenditures refer to the outflow of resources, specifically cash, for goods or services.

When an organization incurs an expenditure, it is typically recording a cost that needs to be paid for that is expected to contribute to operations or future revenue generation. This could include payments for supplies, salaries, utilities, or other operational costs. Understanding expenditures is crucial for effective financial management in a school setting or any organization, as it directly impacts budgeting and financial planning.

The other options, while relating to finance in some way, do not accurately define what an expenditure is. An increase in owner's equity from operations is more about income and profitability, while a tangible item owned by an organization refers to assets rather than expenses. Lastly, an amount received from external sources is related to income or revenue, not the outflow represented by an expenditure.